Topuria's "Aha!" Moment The Oliveira Weakness He Saw Coming

Ilia Topuria's Fight IQ: Spotting Oliveira's Weakness Before UFC 317 Triumph

Ilia Topuria didn't just walk into UFC 317 and knock out Charles Oliveira by chance. The newly crowned lightweight champion had a plan, a strategy meticulously crafted after months of studying his opponent. And that plan hinged on exploiting a key weakness Topuria identified in Oliveira's game: his inability to effectively fight while moving backwards.

On Saturday night, the world witnessed the culmination of this preparation as 'El Matador' delivered a stunning knockout, etching his name into the history books and sparking conversations about his potential to become the next GOAT, a sentiment echoed by the likes of Michael Bisping.

Beyond the Power: A Calculated Approach

While Topuria's knockout power is undeniable, it's his fight IQ that truly sets him apart. He doesn't simply rely on brute force; he analyzes, strategizes, and executes with precision. This was evident in his approach to the Oliveira fight.

The Revelation: Oliveira's Backward Struggle

In an interview with UFC’s ‘About Last Fight’, Topuria revealed the core of his strategy: "As soon as I got the confirmation for the fight, I started watching all of Oliveira’s fights. I’ve always been a fan of the sport, but once I have a specific opponent, I study them closely. And when I watched him, I just thought, ‘he’s not going to be able to do anything against me’."

He elaborated on his observation, stating, "He doesn’t move. He only goes forward. He doesn’t even know how to fight going backward. The only time it usually takes me to knock someone out is the time I need to close the distance. But with him? He’s coming straight at me."

The Game Plan in Action

Topuria's analysis proved to be spot on. He correctly predicted the fight would be a head-on collision in the center of the octagon, allowing him to capitalize on Oliveira's forward pressure. He confidently asserted, "I knew we’d meet in the middle of the octagon, and once I start landing shots, he won’t even see them coming. He’s at the highest level of the sport — but I’m the next level.”

What's Next for 'El Matador'?

The victory over Oliveira has catapulted Topuria into a new realm of stardom, and the question on everyone's mind is: who will he face next? A face-off with Paddy Pimblett in the cage following the fight has fueled speculation, although not everyone believes that would be a competitive matchup.

In Conclusion: A Champion with a Plan

Ilia Topuria's triumph at UFC 317 was more than just a victory; it was a testament to the power of preparation, strategic thinking, and a keen understanding of one's opponent. He identified a critical flaw, devised a plan to exploit it, and executed it flawlessly. This is the hallmark of a true champion, and it will be fascinating to watch his reign unfold.

Tags: Ilia Topuria, Charles Oliveira, UFC 317, El Matador, Lightweight champion, Michael Bisping, New Goat, Fight IQ, Islam Makhachev, UFC

Source: https://bloodyelbow.com/2025/06/30/ilia-topuria-says-he-spotted-a-huge-weakness-in-charles-oliveiras-game-before-knocking-him-out-at-ufc-317/