At UFC 317, Ilia Topuria, representing Spain, clinched the UFC lightweight championship with a spectacular first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira. In the co-main event, Alexandre Pantoja successfully defended his flyweight title, defeating Kai Kara-France via third-round submission.
Topuria`s victory, achieved at 2:27 of the first round, came from a powerful left hook following a precise right hand, dropping Oliveira and electrifying the 19,800-strong crowd. This knockout flawlessly executed Topuria`s pre-fight prediction of a first-round finish.
UFC President Dana White lauded Topuria, stating, “I think tonight was his big night. We have a star on our hands.”
Adding to the drama, fellow lightweight Paddy Pimblett, present in the audience, was called into the octagon. A fiery confrontation ensued, culminating in Topuria shoving the eighth-ranked contender, reigniting a long-standing rivalry between the two.
Before Pimblett even entered the cage, Topuria challenged him directly, exclaiming, “Let`s fight! If you`re ready, I`m here.”
Earlier in February, Topuria, a former featherweight champion, had declared his intention to move up to the 155-pound lightweight division to contend for the title, which the article states became vacant after former champion Islam Makhachev ascended to the welterweight division.
His opponent for the championship was the seasoned 35-year-old Brazilian, Charles Oliveira, a former lightweight titleholder who, despite his considerable experience, was ultimately overcome by Topuria.
Topuria, with an unblemished 16-0 professional record forged during his dominant featherweight career, was born in Germany to Georgian parents. Although he appeared smaller than Oliveira in the octagon, he adeptly defended against Oliveira`s grappling attempts, then unleashed his potent striking.
Oliveira, who had been stripped of the lightweight belt in May 2022 after missing weight for a defense against Justin Gaethje, showed flashes of his ground game. However, Topuria quickly disengaged, returning the fight to standing, and soon after, sealed Oliveira`s fate.
The 28-year-old Topuria first staggered Oliveira with a right hook, then followed with a crushing left that sent the Brazilian crashing to the canvas, eyes glazed. This dramatic finish solidified Topuria`s earlier prediction of a first-round knockout.
In his post-fight interview, Topuria declared, “I already said it – I represent the new generation of mixed martial arts; this is the next level of the game. This is the next thing, and this is what I represent.” He detailed his strategy: “I did exactly what we had planned: a lot of jabs, right hand, left hook, and boom – his lights were out.”
Meanwhile, in the co-main event, Brazil`s Alexandre Pantoja showcased a dominant performance against New Zealander Kai Kara-France, eventually securing a rear-naked choke submission at 1:55 of the third round.
