At UFC 317, Ilia Topuria faced Charles Oliveira in a highly anticipated bout on Saturday, with the two fighters competing to establish dominance at 155 pounds. This matchup followed a rare occurrence in UFC history where two champions vacated their belts—the featherweight title by Topuria and the lightweight belt by Islam Makhachev—leading to a battle to determine the preeminent lightweight contender.

Unprecedented Title Pursuit in UFC History

The fight presented a unique scenario as both fighters shifted divisions simultaneously. Topuria aimed to become a two-division champion, joining the ranks of legends such as Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, and Randy Couture. Oliveira entered the octagon fresh off a victory against Michael Chandler, seeking to reclaim the belt he had never lost inside the cage.

Fight Breakdown: Topuria’s Dominance in the Opening Round

From the outset, Topuria pressed forward with an effective jab and powerful swings, landing a significant right hand on Oliveira. The Brazilian responded with leg kicks and attempted to gain control against the cage within the first minute. Despite Oliveira being bloodied early, his takedown effort resulted in Topuria securing the top position. Oliveira remained a threat from his back, briefly attacking with a leg lock that forced Topuria to defend carefully.

Decisive Knockout Seals Topuria’s Place in History

After landing a few more kicks to Oliveira’s thigh, Topuria allowed his opponent to rise, only to immediately deliver a stunning right hand that knocked Oliveira onto his back. Topuria followed quickly with a left hook as Oliveira was collapsing, showcasing impeccable timing and precision to secure a first-round knockout at 2:27. This victory crowned Topuria as a two-division UFC champion in spectacular fashion.

Reactions and Future Prospects

Among the spectators was Paddy Pimblett, who visibly celebrated Topuria’s triumph. The two fighters share a history and exchanged tense moments post-fight when Topuria confronted Pimblett after promising to knock him out one day. This feud hints at a potential title fight involving Pimblett in the near future.

The win not only marks a significant milestone for Ilia Topuria but also reshapes the lightweight division’s landscape, setting up intriguing matchups ahead as the UFC continues to evolve its roster of champions.