Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira showed no bad blood during their faceoff Thursday night at UFC 317’s pre-fight press conference, but fans could still feel the tension.
The two lightweights will battle it out atop UFC 317’s PPV main card this Saturday night (Jun. 28, 2025) for UFC’s International Fight Week inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s one of the most anticipated matchups of the year as Topuria moves up to lightweight after conquering 145 pounds and Oliveira tries to claim UFC gold one more time.
While Oliveira and Topuria have remained somewhat cordial in the lead up to their lightweight title fight, UFC fans didn’t know exactly what to expect during Thursday’s staredown. Oliveira’s usually saves his faceoff energy for Friday’s ceremonial weigh ins, but there was a chance he turned the intensity up early.
Both fighters came face-to-face and embraced for a hand shake and hug, which then turned into a friendly back-and-forth about the fight. Topuria revealed that he didn’t want his lightweight title fight to be against Oliveira, but also ended the exchange by saying he had already won the match.
UFC CEO Dana White was in the middle of it all and captured the exchange. Check out the entire back-and-forth below:
What Ilia Topuria said to Charles Oliveira during their face off:
️ Ilia: “You know it’s all respect. I just have to prove I’m the best.”
️ Charles: “Yes, for our families.”
️ Ilia: “I’m sorry. I didn’t want it to be against you.
️ Charles: “Don’t worry, it’s going to be… pic.twitter.com/vrM9GkMDeM
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 27, 2025
“You know it’s all respect,” said Topuria. “I just have to prove I’m the best.”
“Yes, for our families,” responded Oliveira.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t want it to be against you,” claimed Topuria.
“Don’t worry, it’s going to be a great fight,” said Oliveira.
“Of course. I’ve already won. The victory is mine,” said Topuria as the two separated.
MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 317 fight card right RIGHT HERE, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 6:30 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining undercard balance on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the UFC 317 PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 317: “Topuria vs. Oliveira” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For the updated and finalized UFC 317 fight card and PPV lineup click here.
This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
