At UFC 317, Spain`s Ilia Topuria delivered a stunning first-round knockout victory over Charles Oliveira to seize the UFC lightweight championship. The event also featured Alexandre Pantoja, who successfully defended his flyweight title with a third-round submission win against Kai Kara-France in the co-main event.
Topuria ended the main event bout at the 2:27 mark of the opening round. He set up the finish with a sharp right hand before connecting with a devastating left hook that dropped Oliveira. This decisive blow fulfilled Topuria`s prediction of a first-round knockout and sent the capacity crowd of 19,800 spectators into a frenzy.
“I think tonight was his big night,” commented UFC president Dana White after the fights. “We have a star on our hands.”
Following his championship win, Topuria immediately turned his attention to fellow lightweight Paddy Pimblett, who was seated among the fans. Pimblett was invited into the octagon, leading to a tense exchange that culminated in Topuria shoving the eighth-ranked contender, reigniting a notable rivalry between the two fighters that dates back several years.
Prior to Pimblett entering the cage, Topuria had already issued a direct challenge, stating, “Let`s fight! If you`re ready, I`m here.”
Topuria, a former featherweight champion, had announced his move up to the 155-pound division in February with the clear intention of competing for the lightweight belt.
Standing opposite him in the cage was the experienced 35-year-old Brazilian, Charles Oliveira. As a former lightweight titleholder, Oliveira briefly brought his extensive fighting background to bear during the contest before succumbing to Topuria`s power.
Having compiled a dominant 16-0 professional record primarily in the featherweight ranks, Topuria, who has Georgian parents and was born in Germany, appeared physically smaller than Oliveira during their fight. Despite the size disparity, he effectively defended against Oliveira`s renowned grappling skills early on before showcasing his powerful striking.
Oliveira, who famously lost the lightweight belt in May 2022 after missing weight for a defense against Justin Gaethje, looked sharp during a brief exchange on the ground. However, Topuria quickly managed to disengage and bring the fight back to the standing position, where the bout concluded shortly thereafter.
The 28-year-old challenger first stunned Oliveira with a right hook, then followed up with a crushing left hand. The impact sent the veteran fighter crashing to the mat, his eyes appearing dazed as he landed on the canvas. Topuria`s pre-fight prediction of securing a first-round knockout victory had become reality.
In his post-fight interview, Topuria confidently stated, “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.” Describing the fight-ending sequence, he added, “I did exactly what we had planned, lot of jabs, right hand, left hook, and boom – his lights were out.”
In the night`s co-main event, Brazil`s Alexandre Pantoja demonstrated clear dominance over New Zealander Kai Kara-France. Pantoja eventually took Kara-France`s back and secured a fight-ending rear naked choke submission at 1:55 of the third round, retaining his flyweight championship.
Marcus Bellamy