Ilia Topuria KOs Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, Wins Lightweight Belt to Become Two-Division Champion (Video)
Ilia Topuria KOs Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, Wins Lightweight Belt to Become Two-Division Champion (Video) originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
In a historic night at UFC 317, Ilia Topuria solidified his place among MMA's elite by knocking out Charles Oliveira in the first round to claim the vacant lightweight title. The undefeated Spaniard, moving up from featherweight, needed just over two minutes to dismantle the former Brazilian champion, becoming the UFC's 10th two-division titleholder in stunning fashion.
Advertisement
The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas erupted as Topuria's pinpoint striking proved too much for Oliveira, who had never been finished so quickly in his career.
From the opening bell, Topuria showcased the boxing mastery that has defined his meteoric rise. Oliveira attempted an early takedown but was shrugged off by Topuria, who then hip-tossed the Brazilian to the canvas in a display of surprising grappling dominance.
Back on the feet, Topuria's jab began to find its mark, setting up the fight-ending sequence. A crushing overhand right followed by a left hook sent Oliveira crashing to the mat, and follow-up hammerfists sealed the deal at 2:27 of Round 1, leaving no doubt about the new king at 155 pounds.
Advertisement
Here is the finishing sequence:
The victory marks Topuria's second UFC title in just 16 months, having previously dethroned Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight strap before vacating it to pursue lightweight gold. His knockout of Oliveira joins a highlight reel that already includes his aforementioned knockout over Volkanovski, and his iconic third-round stoppage of Max Holloway—the first time Holloway had ever been knocked out in MMA.
At 28 years old, Topuria's precision, power, and fight IQ may make him the sport's best pound-for-pound fighter today. "El Matador" silenced doubters with a performance that echoed his pre-fight confidence.
Advertisement
Topuria also fulfilled his prediction when he said in an interview with Ariel Helwani, 'I'm going to finish him in the first round.'
For Oliveira, the loss is a brutal setback in his long and storied career. 'Do Bronx,' who holds the record for most UFC finishes, had no answer for Topuria's speed and power.
Topuria's win sparks immediate speculation about his next move. With Islam Makhachev vacating the lightweight belt to chase welterweight gold, potential matchups against contenders like Justin Gaethje or Arman Tsarukyan loom. He also faced off against Paddy Pimblett in the post-fight interview, which is not the most compelling matchup, but it is the fight that the UFC might book in order to boost ratings.
Related: Dana White's Latest Update at UFC Press Conference Puts Ilia Topuria's Championship Dreams on the Line
Related: UFC Champion Sounds Off on Joe Rogan Podcast: Refuses to Fight Unless Dana White Books Dream Matchup
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
What Does Bills' James Cook Need To Justify New Contract?
What Does Bills' James Cook Need To Justify New Contract? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is still without his desired new contract, despite stating he wanted an extension months ago. Advertisement The Bills have since re-signed a host of key players such as Josh Allen, Khalil Shakir, and Greg Rousseau, but James and his reported want for $15 million APY have been left off the to-do list. He participated in mandatory minicamp and stated he will be at training camp; we just don't know in what capacity. Given the Bills have just $100,700 in cap space, a contract extension this offseason looks unlikely, but what about next offseason? Sure, but then Buffalo won't be the only team in for James' services. Now, we want all players to receive compensation that reflects their worth, as they deserve to be paid for the work they do to entertain fans. So, looking ahead to the 2025 season, what type of year would James need to have to warrant a contract of roughly $15 million APY? Advertisement ESPN's Mike Clay projects Cook to have 1,228 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with an extra 284 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver. Fans are left to wonder… Would that do it? Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4).Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images It would mark a third straight season of 1,000+ yards and back-to-back seasons of 10+ rushing touchdowns, and that would also likely make it three straight Pro Bowls for the running back. Yeah, that'll likely do it. But if that eventuates, Cook will likely have a few teams chasing his signature next offseason, because he now has the skins on the wall for three years. Now, we think James should be paid this offseason, but it doesn't look like that will be happening. But do what Clay is projecting here, and James will get that monster new contract. Advertisement Because if it isn't Buffalo, someone else will give James what he feels he is worth. Related: Bills' First-Round Pick Predicted to 'Disappoint' in Rookie Season Related: Bills Predicted to Cut Former First-Round Star in 53-Man Roster Projection This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Associated Press
41 minutes ago
- Associated Press
LAFC loses Olivier Giroud's farewell match, falling 1-0 to Vancouver Whitecaps
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Emmanuel Sabbi scored on Vancouver's only shot on goal, Yohei Takaoka made four saves and the Whitecaps spoiled Olivier Giroud's farewell match with a 1-0 victory over Los Angeles FC on Sunday night. Giroud started and played 60 minutes in his final appearance for LAFC. The famed French forward is expected to sign with Lille after one disappointing year in Los Angeles during which he was largely an unproductive substitute, scoring just five goals in 38 matches. Giroud had a chance to go out with a bang when Denis Bouanga fed him an exceptional cross while he was unmarked deep in Vancouver's penalty area in the 50th minute, but Giroud volleyed it over the bar. Giroud still left the field to a standing ovation 10 minutes later, but LAFC failed to equalize without him in its first match back from a winless three-game stint at the Club World Cup. LAFC scored one goal in the entire FIFA tournament, but still netted at least $9.5 million for earning the final spot in the field. Back in Los Angeles, its nine-match unbeaten run in league play ended with even more offensive frustration against Vancouver. Takaoka secured his 10th clean sheet for the depleted Whitecaps, who won for just the second time in six matches while falling out of first place in the Western Conference. Vancouver doesn't have key contributors Brian White, Jayden Nelson and Sebastian Berhalter due to Gold Cup international duty. Sabbi scored in the 20th minute with an exceptional effort, starting a counterattack with a midfield steal before controlling Jeevan Badwal's pass in midair on the run and scoring his first goal since April 12. Backup goalkeeper David Ochoa made his first appearance for LAFC in place of Hugo Lloris, who got the day off after playing the entire Club World Cup. ___ AP soccer:
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Heat Fans Happy After LeBron James Report
Heat Fans Happy After LeBron James Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Just when Miami Heat fans were starting to lose hope about the team making a splashy addition this offseason, a new LeBron James development has emerged. Advertisement The Heat had a brutal end to their season this year, as they became the first No. 10 seed in NBA history to make the playoffs, only to be on the wrong end of the NBA's most lopsided series in playoff history. With some star power needed, the Heat then emerged as the favorites to land Kevin Durant, giving fans optimism for next season, only to be outbid by the Houston Rockets. With pressure mounting on team president Pat Riley to make something happen, the perfect opportunity may have fallen right into his lap. According to a bombshell report by ESPN's Shams Charania, the 40-year-old four-time MVP (James) is "closely monitoring the Lakers' moves" this offseason after exercising his $52.6 million player option. James' agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN that contending for a title is James' priority at this time, but alluded to the fact that the Lakers could be building for the future after trading for Luka Doncic. Advertisement Following this report, which also revealed that James was spotted in Miami recently, Heat fans have begun hoping for a reunion. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James (23).© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images "Going to need @kevinlove to get on the phone and tamper hard with LeBron James RIGHT NOW," wrote one fan. "This would actually be very cool," said a second. "So LeBron James say his wife and him miss Miami the City so he miss being in Miami," speculated another. While it's unclear what the Heat are willing to give up for the aging four-time MVP, he has shown that he is still among the best players in the league. This past season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists, earning him a second-team All-NBA selection. James also has a no-trade clause, which means he would have to give his approval for the trade as well. Advertisement Regardless, Heat fans are on hyper alert again this offseason. In his four seasons with Miami in 2010-14, James won two titles and two MVPs. Related: Duncan Robinson Makes $20 Million Decision on Future With Heat This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
