Ilia Topuria achieved his ambitious goal of becoming a two-division champion by delivering a stunning first-round knockout win over Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 317.
It was another exceptional performance from Topuria. He connected with a devastating right hook that appeared to drop Oliveira on the spot, quickly following it with a left hand that sent “do Bronx” to the canvas for good measure. The referee stopped the contest just moments later, with the official time of the finish recorded as 2:27 into the opening round.
This victory crowns Topuria as the new UFC lightweight champion. It marks his third consecutive knockout win against highly respected opponents, adding Oliveira to a list that recently includes former champions Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
“I said it before – I represent the new generation of mixed martial arts,” Topuria declared after his win. “This is the next level of the game. This is what I represent. Everything went exactly according to our plan. Boom, his lights were out.”
Immediately following his triumph, Topuria wasted no time in turning his attention to potential future challengers, specifically mentioning Paddy Pimblett and Arman Tsarukyan. While Tsarukyan is widely regarded as a top contender who has arguably earned a title shot, the long-standing animosity between Topuria and Paddy Pimblett quickly took center stage. Topuria directly challenged the Liverpool fighter, inviting him into the octagon.
“We`ve got some weak individuals in this arena,” Topuria shouted from the cage. “There`s a blonde guy… a guy whose back seems to hurt whenever it`s time to fight. Whoever is ready for me, I`m right here.”
He continued, “Listen, I don`t really think Paddy will accept, but if he truly believes he`s ready… Come on, blonde guy, get in here. Bring him here.”
Moments later, Pimblett climbed over the security railing and entered the cage. Initially, he offered a brief acknowledgment of Topuria`s impressive knockout, but the exchange rapidly escalated into verbal warfare.
“That was a solid knockout,” Pimblett conceded, before adding, “But you will not knock *me* out. You know you can`t. I don`t get knocked out. I`ll finish you, little man.”
Topuria immediately shot back as the two fighters came face-to-face, with security personnel actively trying to prevent a physical altercation.
“You`re the one who`s getting knocked out,” Topuria retorted just before giving Pimblett a shove.
Pimblett responded with a smile and a point back at Topuria as they continued shouting at each other. Their heated interaction seemingly laid the groundwork for what could become one of the most anticipated matchups the UFC could promote in the near future.
Looking back at the fight itself, the contest with Oliveira began without any period of hesitation. Oliveira landed a significant left hand early, which Topuria answered immediately, as heavy shots were exchanged from the start. An accidental headbutt caused a cut above Oliveira`s eye as he attempted to secure a takedown.
Oliveira persistently sought various submission attempts, but Topuria skillfully defended each one, consistently managing to return to his feet. From a standing position, Topuria signaled for Oliveira to join him. In the very next exchange, Topuria unleashed the fight-ending combination that sent Oliveira to the canvas unconscious in spectacular fashion.
After the fight was stopped, Oliveira eventually recovered and was helped to his feet. He displayed great sportsmanship, embracing Topuria and exchanging a few words before exiting the cage.
With this momentous victory, the Ilia Topuria era at lightweight officially begins. While a lineup of skilled contenders awaits their opportunity, nothing appears to be a bigger potential clash than a future showdown with Paddy Pimblett, driven by the obvious bad blood between them.
Wesley Dunham