Ilia Topuria made a stunning statement at UFC 317, scoring a first-round knockout victory over Charles Oliveira to claim the vacant lightweight championship.
The Spanish-Georgian fighter, who moved up from featherweight, dominated the bout, showcasing his exceptional striking power and agility. Oliveira, a 35-year-old Brazilian former lightweight champion, briefly displayed his vast experience but ultimately fell to Topuria’s relentless onslaught.
The fight began with intense exchanges, as Oliveira attempted to take the battle to the ground. However, Topuria defended well and maintained control on the feet.
The decisive moment came at 2:27 of the first round, when Topuria landed a precise right jab followed by a powerful left hook that sent Oliveira crashing to the canvas. The referee quickly halted the contest, declaring Topuria the winner by knockout.
In the post-fight interview, Topuria emphasized his dominance, saying, “I already said it – I represent the new generation of the mixed martial arts – this is the next level of the game. This is the next thing, and this is what I represent.” He also highlighted his game plan, stating, “I did exactly what we had planned: lot of jabs, right hand, left hook, and boom – his lights were out.”
The co-main event saw Alexandre Pantoja dominate New Zealander Kai Kara-France before taking his back and locking in a rear naked choke 1 minute and 55 seconds into the third round, defending his flyweight crown.
Other notable results included Joshua Van beating Brandon Royval via unanimous decision at flyweight, Beneil Dariush beating Renato Moicano via unanimous decision in their lightweight bout, and Payton Talbott defeating Felipe Lima via unanimous decision at bantamweight.
Topuria’s victory has ignited interest in a potential bout against fellow lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett. The two fighters have a history of animosity, and their matchup could be a thrilling encounter. UFC CEO Dana White praised Topuria’s performance, saying, “I think tonight was his big night. We have a star on our hands”.