Alexander Volklanovski predicts UFC 317 main event ends in 'early knockout'

A fight for the vacant lightweight title between former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria (16-0) and former 155-pound titleholder Charles Oliveira (35-10, 1 NC) headlines Saturday's UFC 317 fight card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Topuria vacated the featherweight championship to move up a division in pursuit of a second UFC title. Oliveira has the opportunity to become a two-time UFC titleholder. Newly crowned two-time featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski gave his prediction for the fight to Fox Sports Australia. 

"They're both exciting fighters. Stylistically, it's going to be fireworks. I've got a feeling it's going to finish very early, though," Volkanovski said. "I don't think it's lasting very long.

"You know Charles Oliveira, he's going to come forward. He's going to press like he always does. Should he against somebody like ilia with hands like Ilia does? Will Ilia just try and fire straight away and try and land that shot? It's a very interesting one for me because Ilia does have that power but is he going to want to be that little bit more technical rather than just brawl. I don't know because Charles, if he does what he usually does, he comes aggressively. He forces you to fight. Will Ilia want to just be forced into that fight, or will he want to play his game first? It's going to be interesting."

Volkanovski knows firsthand the power Topuria has in his hands. He was knocked out by "El Matador" at UFC 298 in February 2024. He believes Topuria can do that same to Oliveira on Saturday. 

"I'm going to go with Ilia. I think Ilia's going to get the win. I think Ilia can catch him," Volkanovski said. "I reckon an early knockout. Early knockout for Ilia Topuria." 

Topuria will enter the fight as a heavy betting favorite.