Ilia Topuria Becomes Lightweight Champion After Knocking Out Charles Oliveira

Ilia Topuria emerged as the new lightweight champion at the main event of UFC 317 after claiming the vacant title against Charles Oliveira. The audience at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas witnessed a historic evening that concluded with 'El Matador' securing victory by knocking out his opponent in the first round. Thus, Topuria continues his legacy in the company led by Dana White, extending his personal record to 17-0.

The Spanish-Georgian fighter had promised days before that he would finish his opponent by K.O in the first round. Said and done, Topuria concluded the bout in just 2:33 minutes. The Brazilian fighter had started with a solid defense and was well-positioned, but a flash from 'El Matador' was enough to end the contest.

On paper, this fight was expected to be the easiest for Topuria since he became the featherweight champion against Alexander Volkanovski. Despite the challenge of moving up a weight class, the Brazilian's ten defeats (now eleven) and Topuria's undefeated streak, which continues his meteoric rise in the UFC, made him the clear favorite who ultimately became the new champion.

'El Matador', now nicknamed 'The Legend', became the tenth double champion in the history of the largest MMA fighting company. His name is already included in a list of legendary fighters, but this is not enough for Topuria. He might be considering reaching for the welterweight belt and achieving that triple crown that no one has ever attained.

Although the next step in the Spanish-Georgian's career is uncertain, it is most likely that he will defend his new championship in early 2026. Topuria's dream would be to face Islam Makhachev (former lightweight champion), who has also moved up a division to challenge welterweight titleholder Jack Della Maddalena. Should the Dagestani fighter secure the belt, 'The Legend' could have the greatest and most coveted opportunity of his career in what would be one of the best matchups in history.

In any case, one must not underestimate what Topuria has achieved, as his undefeated record of 17-0 (seven of his victories in the UFC) is formidable for his opponents and a window for this mixed martial arts sport to continue growing in Spain. What this competitor accomplishes in the octagon surprises less each time, but the difficulty increases, so only time will tell if anyone will ever manage to defeat Ilia Topuria.