Ilia Topuria achieved his goal of becoming a two-division champion at UFC 317 by delivering a devastating first-round knockout win over Charles Oliveira in the night`s main event.
It was another impressive showing from Topuria. He landed a powerful right hook that sent Oliveira crashing to the canvas, following up with a left hand before the fight was stopped moments later. The official end came at 2:27 of the opening round.
With this decisive victory, Topuria is now the undisputed UFC lightweight champion. This marks his third consecutive knockout win against a high-profile opponent, adding Oliveira to a list that includes former champions Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
Following his dominant performance, Topuria made his intentions clear. “I already said it. I represent the new generation of mixed martial arts,” Topuria stated. “This is the next level of the game. This is what I represent. I did exactly what we had planned. Boom, his lights were out.”
Topuria quickly turned his attention to potential future challengers, specifically calling out Paddy Pimblett and Arman Tsarukyan. While Tsarukyan is highly ranked, Topuria`s intense personal history with Pimblett took center stage immediately after the fight.
Addressing the crowd, Topuria boldly challenged his rivals. “We have some f*cking p*ssies in this arena,” Topuria shouted. “There is a blonde bitch… Whoever is ready for me, I’m here.”
He directly challenged Pimblett, saying, “Listen, I don’t think [Paddy is] going to accept it. But if he thinks that he’s ready. Come on you blonde bitch. Bring that bitch here.”
Moments later, Pimblett climbed into the cage. He initially acknowledged Topuria`s knockout, but the exchange quickly escalated into heated trash talk.
“That was a heavy knockout,” Pimblett said. “You will not knock me out. You know you can’t knock me out… I finish you little man.” Topuria immediately fired back, “You’re getting knocked out.”
The two fighters went nose-to-nose, with security personnel quickly intervening to prevent a physical altercation. This dramatic confrontation likely sets the stage for one of the biggest potential matchups the UFC could promote in the near future.
Prior to the post-fight drama, Topuria`s focus was solely on securing the title. The fight itself began aggressively with both men exchanging heavy shots early.
A clash of heads resulted in a nasty cut above Oliveira`s eye as he attempted to grapple and take the fight to the ground.
Oliveira bravely pursued submission attempts, but Topuria effectively defended and returned the fight to the standing position, inviting his opponent to meet him there. In the next exchange, Topuria landed the fight-ending combination that put Oliveira down in spectacular fashion.
After the fight, Oliveira eventually regained his feet and showed tremendous sportsmanship, embracing Topuria and exchanging words of respect.
Now, the Ilia Topuria era has officially begun in the lightweight division. While a list of formidable challengers awaits, the intense rivalry with Paddy Pimblett appears to be the most compelling and highly anticipated potential fight on the horizon.
