Topuria dominates Oliveira with a first-round TKO at UFC 317 to become a two-division champion and things only got heated when Paddy Pimblett stormed the cage.
On Saturday, June 28, 2025, Las Vegas T‑Mobile Arena hosted one of the most eagerly anticipated title fights of the year. In the main event of UFC 317, the undefeated powerhouse Ilia Topuria stepped into the octagon to face Brazilian legend Charles Oliveira, with the vacant lightweight belt on the line
The main event featured former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira facing former featherweight titleholder Ilia Topuria for the vacant lightweight championship. This bout follows Islam Makhachev’s decision to vacate the lightweight title as he moves to the welterweight division, where he is expected to challenge Jack Della Maddalena at a future date.
Ilia Topuria is quickly becoming one of the most feared names in the sport. The 27-year-old Georgian-Spanish fighter has taken the division by storm, remaining unbeaten at 16–0.
He stunned fans around the world with a brutal third-round knockout of Max Holloway at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, a feat no other fighter had accomplished. Before that, he made headlines when he dethroned Alexander Volkanovski with a vicious second-round KO at UFC 298 in Anaheim, solidifying himself as a true title contender. On the other side of the octagon was the ever-dangerous Charles Oliveira. Ahead of the fight, Oliveira made a bold prediction about what lies ahead during an interview with Full Violence
Oliveira with a professional record of 35 wins and 10 losses, the Brazilian holds the UFC records for most finishes and most submission wins. A testament to his dangerous ground game and killer instinct. Though he suffered a razor-close split decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300, Oliveira bounced back strong. His latest victory came at UFC 309 in New York, where he delivered a clinical, dominant five-round performance over Michael Chandler, earning himself yet another Fight of the Night bonus.
Both fighters stepped into the cage with something to prove. Topuria wants to show the world he’s the future of the division, while Oliveira is out to remind everyone why he was once the king. This isn’t just a fight, it’s a statement, and both men plan to leave no doubt about who deserves the lightweight crown.
From the opening bell, both fighters came out aggressive with Topuria opening a cut around one of Oliveira’s eyes and Oliveira landing a strong right hand. Oliveira landed a clean right hand early and tried to press Topuria against the cage for a takedown. But Topuria defended smartly, reversed position, and even found himself briefly in top control on the ground. Oliveira threatened a leg lock, but the fight returned to the feet, and that’s where things exploded.
Topuria timed a perfect right hook, followed by a brutal left hand that knocked Oliveira out cold. He fell backward like a tree getting chopped down. The referee didn’t waste a second, it was over at 2 minutes and 27 seconds of the first round.
With this lightning-fast finish, Ilia Topuria became a UFC double champion, now holding both the featherweight and lightweight titles. That’s a rare accomplishment, with only a few legends like Conor McGregor and Amanda Nunes ever pulling it off. In his post-fight interview, Topuria was calm but proud
“I already said it,I represent the new generation of mixed martial arts. Lot of jabs, right hand, left hook—and boom, his lights were out.”
“We have some f*cking p*ssies in this arena,” Topuria shouted. “There is a blonde bitch. There is a guy that when [it comes time] to deliver, his back hurts. Whoever is ready for me, I’m here.”
“Listen, I don’t think [Paddy is] going to accept it. But if he thinks that he’s ready. Come on you blonde bitch. Bring that bitch here.”
Just when it seemed like the night couldn’t get any more dramatic, it did. Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett, the outspoken British star and long-time Topuria rival, jumped into the Octagon, complimented Topuria and went straight for the mic. “That was a heavy knockout…but you’ll never knock me out! I’ll finish you, little man!”
Topuria fired right back with fire in his eyes replied him, “I’m gonna take your head off. I’m going to put my calls on your forehead, you p****.”
He then shoved Pimblett, and for a second, it looked like round one of a new war was about to start. Security rushed in and separated both fighters before things escalated further. Afterwards, Oliveira eventually got back to his feet where he praised Topuria as the fighters embraced and shared a few words together.
Ilia Topuria proved he’s the real deal, not just in words but with actions. His knockout win over a legend like Oliveira cemented his spot at the top, and the faceoff with Pimblett gave fans a juicy preview of what could be one of the biggest fights of the year.
