UFC 317: Topuria Claims Lightweight Gold with Stunning KO of Oliveira
Las Vegas, NV – June 28, 2025 – Ilia Topuria has officially arrived as a two-division UFC champion, delivering a sensational first-round knockout victory over Charles Oliveira in the highly anticipated main event of UFC 317 at the T-Mobile Arena. “El Matador” added the lightweight championship to his collection, proving his power and precision translate seamlessly to the 155-pound division.
The fight, which was billed as a clash of two of the most dangerous finishers in the UFC, lived up to its promise of excitement, albeit a short one.
Fight Analysis and Live Play-by-Play:
The atmosphere was electric as the two lightweight titans made their way to the Octagon. Charles Oliveira, known for his relentless pressure and submission prowess, opened the round with a hard low-kick, a signature move to gauge distance and disrupt rhythm. Topuria, however, answered immediately with a stiff jab, showcasing his intent to stand and trade.
The early moments saw both fighters exchanging in the pocket, feeling each other out. Oliveira attempted to close the distance and forced a clinch against the fence, looking for a potential takedown. However, Topuria, displaying excellent defense and strength, reversed the position, momentarily gaining the upper hand before Oliveira disengaged following a leg entanglement attempt.
The decisive moment came swiftly. As the fighters reset in the center, Topuria uncorked a massive shot, a short right hand that stunned Oliveira, followed by a devastating left hook that sent “Do Bronx” crashing to the canvas. The referee immediately stepped in, halting the contest at 2:27 of the very first round, as Ilia Topuria stood over a knocked-out Charles Oliveira.
The T-Mobile Arena erupted as Topuria celebrated his monumental victory, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s most formidable forces.
Ilia Topuria’s Undefeated Reign Continues:
With this stunning performance, Ilia Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) not only claims the vacant lightweight title but also maintains his pristine undefeated record. His move up from featherweight, where he was also a champion, has been nothing short of spectacular. This victory marks his 7th career knockout and highlights his undeniable power in both divisions.
Charles Oliveira’s Setback:
For Charles Oliveira (35-11 MMA, 23-11 UFC), this is a difficult setback. The former lightweight champion, known for his record-breaking submission wins (21 total finishes, 16 by submission in the UFC), came into this fight looking to reclaim his throne. While his grappling arsenal remains a potent threat, Topuria’s striking proved too much too soon. Oliveira will undoubtedly look to bounce back from this defeat, but the lightweight division just got a new, dominant force at the top.
UFC 317 Co-Main Event and Other Results:
In the co-main event, Alexandre Pantoja (c) successfully defended his UFC Flyweight Title, defeating Kai Kara-France via submission in the third round. Other notable results from the main card include:
- Joshua Van def.
- Beneil Dariush def.
- Payton Talbott def.
UFC 317 delivered a night of high-stakes action, culminating in a historic performance by Ilia Topuria, who has now etched his name into the annals of UFC history as a two-division champion. The lightweight division is officially on notice.