LAS VEGAS — Ilia Topuria stated he was going to knock out Charles Oliveira within the opening spherical of their vacant light-weight title struggle at UFC 317, but it surely was nonetheless a shock to observe it unfold.
Topuria (17-0) grew to become the tenth two-weight champion in UFC historical past on Saturday, as he knocked out Oliveira with a proper hand at 2:27 of the primary spherical. Topuria related with a brief proper hand to Oliveira’s chin, adopted by a left hook. The left hook was simply icing on the cake, nevertheless, as Oliveria hit the deck, eyes open however unconscious from the preliminary shot.
“I already stated it,” stated Topuria, who even held a celebratory dinner on Friday, in anticipation of his victory. “I signify the brand new period of blended martial arts. That is the following degree of the sport.”
Instantly after Topuria’s history-making win, the UFC wasted no time bringing Paddy Pimblett into the dialog. Pimblett, a ranked light-weight from Liverpool, was in attendance at T-Cell Area. Pimblett and Topuria have historical past with one another going again to 2021, when Pimblett commented on the Russo-Georgian Battle of 2008. Topuria, of Spain, is of Georgian descent and took offense.
“If he thinks he is prepared, come on you blonde b—-,” Topuria stated in his postfight Octagon interview Saturday night time.
The UFC even allowed Pimblett to enter the Octagon and sq. off with Topuria. Earlier this week, Topuria instructed ESPN he needed to struggle Pimblett in his first light-weight title protection, ideally in Las Vegas.
Even the promotional aftermath wasn’t sufficient to overshadow Topuria’s spectacular efficiency. He fought off a number of makes an attempt by Oliveira to clinch and take him down. When Oliveira did reach getting a visit, Topuria reversed place in a scramble and ended up on prime of the submission specialist.
The victory marks three consecutive knockout victories for Topuria, all coming in opposition to all-time greats. He knocked out Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway at featherweight in 2024, earlier than opting to vacate the 145-pound title earlier this yr to maneuver as much as light-weight.
Topuria has additionally focused former light-weight champ Islam Makhachev. Makhachev vacated the belt final month and is anticipated to problem Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight belt earlier than the tip of the yr.