Ilia Topuria Makes History: Becomes Two-Division Champion with Stunning First-Round KO of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317
El Matador has done it again. Ilia Topuria made history at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, delivering a devastating first-round knockout victory over former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira to capture the vacant 155-pound title and become a two-division champion.
The Fight That Shocked the World
Fighting at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, the undefeated Georgian-Spanish sensation once again proved why he’s considered one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport. What many expected to be a grueling five-round battle between two elite fighters ended in spectacular fashion at just 2 minutes and 27 seconds into the opening round.
The fight began with both men feeling each other out, with Oliveira attempting to use his size advantage and employing leg kicks early. However, El Matador remained patient, working behind his jab and looking for the perfect opening.
The Knockout Sequence
After a brief wrestling exchange where Topuria escaped a leglock attempt from the Brazilian veteran, referee Marc Goddard brought both fighters back to their feet. As the striking resumed, Topuria began working from the back foot, methodically picking his shots.
When Oliveira moved forward looking to close the distance, Topuria timed him perfectly. The 28-year-old Georgian-Spanish fighter caught do Bronx with a perfectly placed short right hand, immediately followed by a devastating left hook that sent the former champion crashing to the canvas.
As Oliveira hit the mat, Topuria landed several hammer fists before Goddard rushed in to stop the contest, declaring Topuria the new UFC lightweight champion.
Two-Division Champion
With this victory, Ilia Topuria joins an elite group of fighters who have held titles in two different weight classes simultaneously. Having previously captured the featherweight championship with knockout victories over legends Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, Topuria has now proven his power translates perfectly to the lightweight division.
The victory improves Topuria’s perfect professional record to 17-0, with an incredible 13 of those wins coming by way of knockout or submission. His ability to finish fights has become his calling card, and Saturday night’s performance only solidified his reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters on the planet.
Post-Fight Drama
The night’s excitement didn’t end with the knockout. During the post-fight festivities, longtime rival Paddy Pimblett entered the Octagon for a face-off with the newly crowned champion. The tension was palpable as both men exchanged heated words before Topuria shoved Baddy, leading to a brief scuffle before security separated them.
This confrontation has immediately sparked speculation about Topuria’s first lightweight title defense, with many fans and pundits calling for the highly anticipated matchup between the Georgian-Spanish champion and the popular English contender.
What’s Next for El Matador?
With two UFC titles now around his waist, Ilia Topuria has positioned himself as one of the most dominant forces in mixed martial arts. His perfect finishing rate, combined with his ability to compete at the highest level in multiple weight classes, has led many to speculate about his place in the pound-for-pound rankings.
Whether he chooses to defend the lightweight title against contenders like Pimblett or return to featherweight to face new challengers, one thing is certain: El Matador has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of his generation.
The Georgian-Spanish superstar’s journey from prospect to two-division champion has been nothing short of spectacular, and if Saturday night’s performance is any indication, the best may still be yet to come for Ilia Topuria.