Watch Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira have heated conversation during UFC 317 face off as Dana White watches on
Topuria can make UFC history with victory over Oliveira
FIGHTING TALK Watch Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira have heated conversation during UFC 317 face off as Dana White watches on
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ILIA TOPURIA and Charles Oliveira took part in a tense conversation during their first face-off ahead of their lightweight title fight.
The pair, 28 and 35 respectively, will vie for the vacant 155lbs title on Sunday morning in the main event of UFC 317 in Las Vegas.
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Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira faced off for the first time at the UFC 317 pre-fight press conference
Credit: CHISANGA MALATA
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The pair ended up having an intense conversation, prompting Oliveira to take off his glasses
Georgian-born Spaniard Topuria will look to become only the tenth fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes.
Fan favourite Oliveira, meanwhile, will look to reclaim the belt he lost on the scales ahead of his clash with Justin Gaethje in May 2022.
The pair had an unexpected run-in at the UFC Performance Institute on Wednesday, crossing paths at the sauna.
But they got a better chance to size up one another after the pre-fight press conference at the T-Mobile Arena early on Friday morning.
READ MORE ON TOPURIA
UFC 317 Topuria vs Oliveira: Live stream, results, start time and TV channel
The duo stared intensely in one another's eyes moments after shaking hands.
An intense conversation ensued, so much so that Oliveira took off his glasses as Topuria spoke.
The undefeated Topuria claimed and defended the featherweight title, which he's since relinquished, last year by gunning down MMA legends Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
And he plans to become a two-weight world champion in equally as devastating fashion.
He said of the pair's Sin City showdown: "Charles is a great fighter.
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Ilia Topuria can become only the tenth fighter in UFC history to win titles in two weight classes this weekend
Credit: GETTY
"I'd say he's a legendary fighter, one of the few still active in the UFC.
"But the truth is that his style fits perfectly with mine to put him to sleep in the first round.
Ilia Topuria performs shock Paddy Pimblett U-turn ahead of UFC 317 after seemingly squashing beef with Brit
"Because he has no mobility, he doesn't move."
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