On Saturday night at UFC 317, Ilia Topuria shocked fans by knocking out Charles Oliveira in the first round to claim the lightweight title. The bout‘s unexpected finish also led to Canadian rapper Drake losing a $200,000 wager on Oliveira to win the fight.
Topuria’s swift victory dashed Drake’s potential payout of $880,000, which would have included $680,000 in profits had Oliveira prevailed. The upset was notable given Oliveira’s status and experience in the division.
Background on Fighters and Previous Performances
Ilia Topuria entered the fight undefeated as a professional, boasting a 16-0 record with six knockouts and eight submissions before UFC 317. His UFC resume was equally impressive, holding an 8-0 streak with notable finishes including a second-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski to win the featherweight belt and a third-round knockout in a title defense against Max Holloway.
In contrast, Charles Oliveira, 35, is a seasoned and accomplished fighter, having claimed the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship in May 2021 by defeating Michael Chandler. However, Oliveira’s recent record showed inconsistency, with two losses to Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan amid four fights. He entered UFC 317 coming off a unanimous decision win over Chandler in November.
Other Highlights from UFC 317
Besides Topuria’s stunning knockout, Alexandre Pantoja successfully defended his title by submitting Kai Kara-France, further defining the event’s list of winners and losers. UFC 317 featured several thrilling bouts that kept fans anxious and hopeful throughout the night.
Implications of Topuria’s Victory and Next Steps
Topuria’s dominant performance at UFC 317 signals a new era in the lightweight division, marking him as a major contender to watch. His undefeated record and strong finishes indicate a fighter capable of sustaining championship success. For Oliveira and betting enthusiasts like Drake, the loss may prompt reassessment ahead of future bouts. Fans and analysts alike will be closely following Topuria’s next fights to see if he can maintain his momentum atop the lightweight ranks.