Ilia Topuria made a powerful statement at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, by delivering a spectacular first-round knockout to defeat former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and claim the vacant UFC lightweight title. The fight took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas before a crowd of 19,800 fans.
Topuria, who recently moved up from featherweight after a dominant run that saw him go undefeated at 16-0, used a sharp right hand to set up a devastating left hook that sent Oliveira crashing to the canvas at 2:27 into the opening round. The knockout fulfilled Topuria’s pre-fight prediction and instantly electrified the audience.
Despite being physically smaller in the cage compared to the 35-year-old Brazilian Oliveira, Topuria showcased excellent defense against Oliveira’s grappling attempts and demonstrated his striking power with precision and timing. Oliveira briefly threatened with submissions on the ground but was unable to capitalize before Topuria returned the fight to standing and finished it decisively.
With this victory, Topuria improved to 17-0, marking his 10th first-round finish and becoming the first undefeated fighter to hold UFC belts in two weight classes. He joins an elite group of nine fighters who have held titles in multiple divisions. UFC President Dana White hailed Topuria as “a star on our hands,” underscoring the rising star’s rapid ascent in the sport.
Following the win, Topuria called out fellow lightweight Paddy Pimblett, igniting a new rivalry and signaling his readiness to defend and unify his status at the top of the division. He described himself as representing “the new generation of mixed martial arts” and “the next level of the game.”
Topuria’s emphatic victory and flawless execution have positioned him as a strong contender for the UFC’s pound-for-pound best fighter, marking a new chapter in his already impressive career and shaking up the lightweight division landscape.