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Robert Whittaker, former UFC middleweight champion, has expressed strong skepticism about Charles Oliveira’s chances against Ilia Topuria in the upcoming UFC 317 main event for the vacant lightweight title. Oliveira, with a record of 35-10 overall and 23-10 in the UFC, faces the undefeated Topuria, who boasts a perfect 16-0 MMA record and 8-0 in the UFC. The fight is set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be broadcast on pay-per-view via ESPN and ESPN+.
Whittaker views this matchup as a stylistic nightmare for Oliveira. He pointed to Topuria’s elite boxing skills, powerful knockout ability, and aggressive inside fighting, especially his proficiency in dirty boxing and slipping punches, as significant challenges for Oliveira. Whittaker noted that Oliveira, although highly skilled and dangerous off his back, tends to get hit fairly often in striking exchanges, which could be problematic against a dynamic striker like Topuria.
Topuria’s recent performances have been dominant, with impressive wins over top featherweights, earning him favoritism in the betting odds. Whittaker highlighted Topuria’s strong takedown defense, which could keep the fight standing and increase the likelihood of a knockout finish. Although Oliveira might attempt to bring the fight to the ground, Whittaker feels Topuria’s grappling and striking combination makes him the overwhelming favorite.
Betting odds heavily favor Topuria, with Whittaker himself acknowledging that he struggles to see a scenario where Oliveira wins, emphasizing Topuria’s superior skills and momentum as reasons for this prediction.
This fight marks a critical moment for both fighters: Oliveira, seeking to reclaim a UFC title, and Topuria, aiming to solidify himself as a new force in the lightweight division. Whittaker’s analysis suggests that this could be a defining night for Topuria, potentially confirming his status as one of the sport’s rising stars.
Our advanced AI algorithms browsed the web to verify the authenticity of "Robert Whittaker doubts Charles Oliveira's chances against 'weapon' Ilia Topuria in upcoming fight". Below is an accurate report.
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These, include:
1. https://www.mmaweekly.com/news/former-champion-gives-ufc-317-main-event-prediction-i-dont-see-where-oliveira-wins-this-fight (Trust Score 8/10)
- Quick summary: Former champion Robert Whittaker predicts Ilia Topuria to win against Charles Oliveira, citing stylistic differences that favor Topuria.
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coPVknC2Hfw (Trust Score 7/10)
- Quick summary: Robert Whittaker discusses his prediction for the fight, highlighting Topuria's advantages in grappling and movement.
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz1AENOGavc (Trust Score 7/10)
- Quick summary: Robert Whittaker shares his prediction on the MMArcade Podcast, emphasizing that he doesn't see Charles Oliveira winning against Ilia Topuria.
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