Ilia Topuria has ascended to the top of the UFC lightweight division following a decisive stoppage victory over Charles Oliveira.
Moments after becoming just the tenth fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes, he immediately headed towards British fighter Paddy Pimblett.
The former featherweight champion stepped up in weight class for the vacant 155 lbs strap in the main event of UFC 317. His opponent in this quest was the former champion and fan favorite, Oliveira.
Throughout the fight promotion, the 28-year-old Topuria confidently stated he would capture the lightweight belt via a devastating first-round knockout. He delivered on his promise with another impressive highlight-reel KO that ignited the T-Mobile Arena.
Topuria`s quick finish of Oliveira appears to pave the way for a heated rivalry bout with Paddy Pimblett.
The British submission specialist, Pimblett, has had an ongoing feud with Topuria since 2022.
`The Baddy` recently entered the title picture in April after a significant stoppage victory over popular fighter Michael Chandler.
The two rivals confronted each other inside the cage after Topuria directed comments towards the Brit seated cageside.
As they faced off, Pimblett told Topuria: “Well done, lad. That was a heavy knockout, respect… but you will never knock me out.”
Topuria responded with aggressive and vulgar remarks towards Pimblett.
A visibly fired-up Pimblett retorted: “I never get knocked out, I’ll finish you little man.”
Just before shoving `The Baddy`, Topuria told him to leave the area.
Security personnel quickly intervened and escorted Pimblett, who seemed to be relishing the interaction, out of the octagon.
Topuria started the fight strongly, successfully defending a takedown attempt from submission expert Oliveira within the opening 30 seconds.
Interestingly, it was Topuria who later took the fight to the ground with a well-executed hip toss, landing in side control.
Oliveira came close to adding another submission to his impressive record with a heel hook attempt. However, Topuria remained composed and successfully escaped the hold.
The fighters eventually returned to their feet, with Oliveira standing up after being instructed by referee Marc Goddard.
Moments later, Topuria landed a short right hand followed by a left hook, rendering Oliveira unconscious. A final hammerfist confirmed the victory, crowning Ilia Topuria the new champion of the UFC lightweight division.
In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, an exhilarated Topuria declared: “I already said it. I represent the new generation of mixed martial arts.”
“This is the next level of the game. This is what I represent.
“I did exactly what we had planned. Boom, his lights were out.”
Elton Marrow 
Gideon Holt