FridayOL

Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion, isn't dismissing Charles Oliveira's chances against the surging Ilia Topuria at UFC 317. In a surprising assessment, Makhachev sees the highly anticipated title bout as a genuine toss-up, acknowledging Oliveira's skill and experience as a significant threat to Topuria's undefeated record.

The UFC 317 main event, slated for [Date - Replace with actual date], will see Topuria and Oliveira battle for the vacant lightweight title, relinquished by Makhachev earlier this year. Topuria, a Spanish powerhouse, has quickly risen through the ranks with his aggressive striking and dominant grappling. His impressive victories have led many to favor him as the clear favorite.

However, Makhachev, who knows Oliveira’s abilities intimately having previously defeated him, believes the Brazilian veteran possesses the tools to pull off an upset. “Charles is a very experienced fighter, a legend. He has a big chance,” Makhachev stated in a recent interview. “I think it’s a 50/50 fight. Both fighters are very dangerous.”

Oliveira's journey to this title shot is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. After suffering back-to-back losses, the former champion rebounded with a string of impressive victories, showcasing a renewed focus and improved striking game. His submission skills remain a constant danger to any opponent, and Makhachev recognizes this.

Topuria, on the other hand, is largely untested at the championship level. While his record is pristine, many question how he'll perform under the intense pressure of a five-round title fight against a seasoned veteran like Oliveira. The pressure of performing on a massive stage like UFC 317, with a world title on the line, could prove to be a significant factor.

Makhachev’s assessment adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling matchup. He understands both fighters' strengths and weaknesses, making his opinion particularly valuable. He's not simply picking a favorite; he's acknowledging the potential for a truly unpredictable and exciting fight.

Ultimately, the lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira promises to be a clash of styles and experience. Whether Topuria’s youth and power will overwhelm Oliveira’s veteran savvy, or if Oliveira can leverage his experience to secure the victory, remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Islam Makhachev believes Oliveira has a legitimate chance to shock the world.

Key Factors to Watch:

• Oliveira's striking improvements: Can he keep the fight standing and exploit Topuria’s potential weaknesses?
• Topuria’s grappling defense: Will he be able to withstand Oliveira’s submission attempts?
• The pace of the fight: A fast-paced, striking battle favors Topuria, while a slower, more grappling-focused fight benefits Oliveira.