Ilia Topuria made history at UFC 317 with a first-round knockout victory over Charles Oliveira, securing the lightweight title and becoming the 10th fighter in UFC history to hold championships in two weight divisions. This win also marked him as the first undefeated fighter to earn such a distinction, positioning him prominently in the sport.
Although Topuria had previously vacated the featherweight belt before moving up to lightweight, he proudly displayed both championship belts during post-fight celebrations and the press conference. His ambition to secure a third title at welterweight was clearly signaled through his remarks and presence.
“I think there is space for a third belt. I have a little space here [between two belts]. Only a little!”
The Rise of Ilia Topuria: Unmatched Skill and Knockout Power
Topuria has developed a reputation for confidently predicting his fight outcomes and consistently delivering them, notably by knocking out three current and former champions in recent bouts. His rapid ascent is often likened to that of legendary fighters such as Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Conor McGregor, who each forged their own legacies by overcoming established veterans.
The decisive knockout over Oliveira also quelled doubts about how Topuria’s striking ability and size would hold up in a higher weight class. However, no UFC fighter has yet succeeded in winning titles across three separate weight divisions, making Topuria’s goal unprecedented in the sport.
Understanding Topuria’s Confidence and Preparation
Ilia Topuria’s unwavering self-assurance has occasionally been mistaken by observers as overconfidence or arrogance. For example, prior to UFC 298, he updated his social media profile to proclaim himself the featherweight champion and celebrated his victory over Oliveira shortly before UFC 317 began.
Speaking with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto following the event, Topuria clarified the source of his confidence, emphasizing his superior skills and readiness inside the octagon.
“I think what happens is that when I talk, they think I’m cocky, I’m overconfident and all that. But reality is that no one can match my level of skills inside the octagon. The way I perform, the way I move inside the octagon, they don’t see me coming. I know what I’m able to do inside that octagon.”
He continued to explain how consistent training and sparring have solidified his self-belief over time.
“During the training sessions, during the sparring sessions, I know how good I am… I used to say that I represent the new generation of mixed martial artists. It took me a little bit of time to demonstrate it.”
Looking Ahead: The Potential for a Historic UFC Legacy
Ilia Topuria’s achievement as a two-division champion and his expressed desire to challenge for the welterweight title signal a potential historic milestone in UFC history. If successful, he would become the first fighter to claim titles in three different weight classes, a feat that would set a new standard in mixed martial arts.
This trajectory not only cements Topuria’s position among today’s elite fighters but also hints at a growing legacy comparable to other iconic champions such as Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Conor McGregor. The UFC and its fanbase will be closely watching his next moves as he pursues further glory in the sport.