Topuria vs Oliveira: Fighter Comparison, Career Stats & Strength Analysis

As the headline clash of UFC 317 in Las Vegas approaches, this article evaluates just how Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira compare across career statistics, finishing capabilities, and core strengths. This deeper dive complements our main UFC 317 pillar preview, providing richer analytical context for fight night.

Career Records at a Glance

Fighter	Overall Record	KO/TKO Wins	Submission Wins	Decision Wins	Finish Rate
Ilia Topuria	17‑0‑0 (UFC 11‑0)	7 (41%)	8 (47%)	2	88%
Charles Oliveira	35‑11‑0 (23‑11 UFC)	10 (29%)	21 (60%)	4	≈86%

Topuria remains undefeated at 17–0, showcasing a perfect blend of power and technique with a striking-heavy finish rate. Oliveira, with 35 wins, is the UFC’s highest-finisher ever—his 20 recorded UFC finishes are an MMA benchmark.

Stand-Up vs Ground Game

Striking Power:

• Topuria is revered for elite boxing—fast combinations and precise power from a compact frame. He boasts elite significant-strike accuracy (~49%) and defence (~64%) .
   
• Oliveira has evolved into a Muay Thai striker with low kicks, knees, and heavy purpose. He lands ~55% of significant strikes, using reach advantage and veteran timing .
   

Grappling Credentials:

• Topuria holds a 92% takedown defence rate and is a black belt in BJJ. His 8 career submissions show well-roundedness, though rarely deployed recently.
   
• Oliveira is the UFC’s ground assassin: 21 career submissions, averaging 3+ submission attempts every 15 minutes.
   

Experience & Fight Dynamics

• Experience & Durability:
  Topuria steps into this bout with 29 fewer professional rounds and has only experienced one five-round fight. Oliveira brings deep veteran savvy from 47 fights and multiple title contests.
   
• Fight Style Match-Up:
  Topuria threatens to dominate early with crisp, high-volume striking and takedown defence. Oliveira seeks strategic grappling opportunities—once he’s on the mat, his submission game is devastating. Striking exchanges could determine early rounds; ground control could seal the fight.
   

Notable Tape Differences

• Reach & Size: Oliveira holds a 5″ reach and 3″ height advantage (74″ vs 69″ reach; 5'10" vs 5'7")—a factor when mixing jabs, kicks, and entries .
   
• Finishing Trends:
  Topuria typically ends fights early—15 of 17 wins were finishes; most KO/TKOs happened within the first two rounds.
  Oliveira’s finishing rate remains high (86%), but his path often involves ground advances and submissions via extended control .

Analysis Summary

• Topuria’s Edges:
   
  • Explosive striking and KO power
     
  • Elite takedown defence and fight IQ
     
  • Momentum and confidence at 17–0
     
• Oliveira’s Strengths:
   
  • Unmatched submission threat
     
  • Veteran experience in five-round title fights
     
  • Size and reach advantage
     

This matchup is a classic showdown: Topuria brings youth and speed versus Oliveira’s veteran skill and grappling depth. It’s a strategic chess match where early momentum and ground control will likely decide the outcome.

Final Take

Ilia Topuria likely holds the advantage: his stand-up is elite and he has continually shut down elite opponents. But Charles Oliveira remains one of the most dangerous submission artists in UFC history—his win condition is always alive. Expect fireworks early—and possibly prolonged drama on the mat as Oliveira hunts for a late transition.