After a game of musical chairs that saw Ilia Topuria vacate his featherweight belt, and Islam Makhachev do the same with his own title at lightweight, the UFC 317 main event on Saturday saw Topuria facing off against Charles Oliveira to determine who the best 155lb’er in the UFC was.
It was an unprecedented situation as far as UFC history goes, with two champs both moving up at essentially the same time. Topuria was first up, looking to become a champ in two weight classes, following in the footsteps of Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, and Randy Couture, among others.
Oliveira entered off a win over Michael Chandler, with a chance to earn back the title he had never technically lost.
Topuria opened with his jab, and some big swings, including a right hand that landed on the Brazilian. “Do Bronx” landed a leg kick or two, and inside of the first minute, put Topuria on the fence. Oliveira had been bloodied, perhaps necessitating the takedown attempt, but when they did go down it was Topuria on top. Despite that, Oliveira proved just how dangerous he was off his back, attacking a leg lock and forcing Topuria to scramble free.
After a couple of chopping kicks to the thigh, Topuria let Oliveira to his feet. And moments later, Ilia Topuria planted the former lightweight champion on his back. With a right hand, Topuria flatlined the bloodied Oliveira, following it up with a left hook as Charles was already on the way down. The timing and precision of Topuria was a sight to behold – an incredible way to claim his second UFC championship.
In the stands, Paddy Pimblett could be seen reacting with glee; given the history between “The Baddy” and Topuria, the Brit could have a title shot in the near future. The pair had a quick face-off in the cage after, with the newly crowned champ shoving Pimblett after promising to knock him out.
Official Result: Ilia Topuria def. Charles Oliveira by knockout, Round 1, 2:27
