In Las Vegas, Nevada on 28/6, Topuria delivered on his promise with a first-round knockout victory at UFC 317. The Georgian fighter was so confident he even held a celebratory dinner the day before the fight.
Just 2 minutes and 27 seconds into the fight, Topuria landed a right hand to the chin followed by a left hook that sent Oliveira to the canvas. The Georgian fighter landed two more punches while his opponent was down before referee Marc Goddard rushed in to stop the fight.
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Ilia Topuria (left) lands a right hand on Charles Oliveira during their lightweight title fight at UFC 317 at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, USA on 28/6. Photo: Reuters |
Ilia Topuria (left) lands a right hand on Charles Oliveira during their lightweight title fight at UFC 317 at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, USA on 28/6. Photo: Reuters
The victory extended Topuria's undefeated professional record to 17 wins, including 7 knockouts and 8 submissions. He became the new lightweight champion, his second title after previously winning the featherweight championship.
Topuria also became the 10th two-division champion in UFC history. He is the first to achieve this feat while remaining undefeated. "I told you. I represent the new era of MMA. This is the next level," the 28-year-old declared after his victory.
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Ilia Topuria becomes the new UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reuters |
Ilia Topuria becomes the new UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reuters
Following Topuria's win, the UFC quickly mentioned Paddy Pimblett. Pimblett, the 8th-ranked lightweight fighter from Liverpool, England, was also present at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The two have had a feud since 2021, stemming from Topuria's reaction to Pimblett's comments about the 2008 Russo-Georgian War. Topuria is of Georgian descent and represents Spain.
Pimblett even entered the octagon to confront Topuria. Earlier in the week, Topuria expressed his desire to fight Pimblett in his first title defense, especially in Las Vegas. "If he thinks he's ready, come on. You blonde b****," Topuria told ESPN.
At UFC 298 in February 2024, Topuria knocked out Alexander Volkanovski in the second round to win the featherweight title, ending Volkanovski's four-year reign. He became the first Georgian fighter to win a UFC championship and also earned the Performance of the Night bonus.
The 28-year-old followed that up with another knockout victory against Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October 2024, defending his featherweight title. Topuria handed Holloway his first career knockout loss and again won the Performance of the Night bonus.
Hong Duy (ESPN)
