Islam Makhachev vacated the lightweight title to move up to the welterweight division to challenge for a second divisional world title. Former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and former lightweight titleholder Charles Oliveira will fight for the vacant title at UFC 317.
Makhachev’s coach, American Kickboxing Academy’s Javier Vasquez, was asked about the the upcoming lightweight title bout and he didn’t hesitate in answering who he’d put money on.
“Ilia” Velasquez said when asked if he was given $100K to bet on the fight. “If someone gave me 100 grand – If you’re asking me who I’d want to win, I put my money on Charles. That’s who I’d want, but if you’re giving me 100 to make 100… I would put Ilia. He feels he can not be beaten.”
“It’s basically because Charles is going to stand in the upright. When he gets inside he’s going to use that boxing and his head is going to be up. And Ilia’s got a really good way of connecting with that chin on the inside,” continued Mendez.
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UFC 317 takes place on June 28 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas during the UFC’s annual International Fight Week. The fight card features two championship bouts.
Topuria and Oliveira headline the event for the vacant lightweight strap while flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja puts his title on the line against Kai Kara-France in the co-featured fight.
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