Ilia Topuria’s performance coach shares worrying prediction for the UFC’s lightweight division

Ilia Topuria will return to the lightweight division at UFC 317 on June 28 when he faces Charles Oliveira for the vacant title. During Topuria's time as a featherweight, he displayed genuine one-punch knockout power, an uncommon occurrence for fighters at 145 pounds.

'El Matador' is arguably the pound-for-pound biggest puncher in the sport. According to his performance coach, the Georgian-Spaniard's power will be much greater at lightweight.

So far, Topuria has competed once at 155 pounds, a short-notice bout against Jai Herbert at UFC London in 2022. Despite facing a larger opponent than normal, 'El Matador' landed a brutal one-punch knockout win, arguably his most vicious finish yet.

Jesus Gallo, the former champion's performance coach, believes that the trend of brutal knockouts will only continue for Topuria at lightweight. Gallo was recently interviewed by Alvaro Colmenero, where he previewed his client's 155-pound condition, saying:

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"He's going to have the most punching power at lightweight. I have no doubt about it. I don't think there is anyone at that weight that has the power he has. So in respect of that, we're not losing anything... Ilia, I believe will be the most powerful fighter at 155 pounds. I don't have the slightest doubt."

Catch Ilia Topuria's coach discuss his power at lightweight below:

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Charles Oliveira confident about finishing Ilia Topuria

UFC 317 will feature a thrilling lightweight title clash between former champions Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria. 'Do Bronx' will be eager to reclaim that belt he once held, whilst the Spaniard will be hoping to become the latest fighter to achieve a world title in two weight divisions.

'El Matador' has displayed his knockout power on more than one occasion. In his previous fight, Topuria became the first fighter ever to knock Max Holloway out when they clashed at UFC 308. But Oliveira has several knockout wins of his own and was labeled by Justin Gaethje as the hardest puncher that 'The Highlight' had ever faced after their UFC 274 fight.

The Brazilian was recently interviewed by Full Violence, where he shared a confident prediction for his UFC 317 clash, saying:

"It’s a great fight, he’s a great fighter, but I don’t need to prove anything to anyone about who I am, what I've done in the fight business. This fight came at a huge opportunity. I will knock out this guy. That’s for real."

Catch Charles Oliveira's prediction for Ilia Topuria below:

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About the author

Liam is a MMA and Boxing writer at Sportskeeda. His journey into MMA journalism began with a high school diploma in 2017, but his passion for writing led him to diverse experiences, including internships in research and writing roles and accounting work.

Liam's fascination with MMA was sparked by Conor McGregor, with Dustin Poirier's bout against Dan Hooker in 2020 sealing his love for the sport. Poirier remains Liam's favorite fighter, whom he admires for his attitude, fighting style, and persona both inside and outside the cage. He is an advocate for the removal of the 12-6 elbow rule in MMA.

Liam strives to report precise and relevant information by cross-checking his work, reaching out to relevant sources for comments, and adhering to Sportskeeda's guidelines. His work has been recognized on popular MMA platforms, with his article headlines featuring in YouTube recaps and appearing onscreen during an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience.

Outside of work, Liam enjoys playing cricket, practising Brazilian jiu-jitsu, cooking, music, and reading.

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Edited by Liam Fresen