-
Brett Okamoto
LAS VEGAS — Ilia Topuria stated he was going to knock out Charles Oliveira within the opening spherical of their vacant light-weight title battle at UFC 317, but it surely was nonetheless a shock to look at it unfold.
Topuria (17-0) grew to become the tenth two-weight champion in UFC historical past on Saturday, as he knocked out Oliveira with a proper hand at 2:27 of the primary spherical. Topuria linked with a brief proper to Oliveira’s chin after which adopted with a left hook. The second shot was simply icing on the cake, nonetheless, as Oliveira was already on his means down from the preliminary shot.
Of all of the two-weight champions in UFC historical past, Topuria is the primary to say a number of belts whereas additionally sustaining an undefeated file.
“I already stated it,” stated Topuria, who even held a pre-emptive celebratory dinner on Friday in anticipation of the victory. “I symbolize the brand new period of blended martial arts. That is the subsequent degree of the sport.”
Instantly after Topuria’s win, the UFC wasted no time bringing Paddy Pimblett into the dialog. Pimblett, the No. 8-ranked light-weight from Liverpool, was cageside at T-Cell Area. Pimblett and Topuria have historical past going again to 2021, when Topuria took offense to feedback Pimblett made in regards to the Russo-Georgian Conflict of 2008. Topuria, of Spain, is of Georgian descent.
Pimblett even entered the cage to sq. off with Topuria. Earlier this week, Topuria instructed ESPN he wished to battle Pimblett in his first title protection, ideally in Las Vegas.
“If he thinks he is prepared, come on. You blonde b—-,” Topuria stated.
Even the promotional aftermath wasn’t sufficient, although, to overshadow Topuria’s spectacular efficiency. He fought off a number of makes an attempt by Oliveira to clinch and take him down. When Oliveira did achieve half-tripping him to the ground, Topuria reversed place in a scramble and ended up on prime of the submission specialist.
Saturday’s victory extends what has turn into one of many biggest runs in historical past. Topuria has now knocked out three all-time greats, together with Oliveira and former featherweight champions Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. Along with concentrating on Pimblett, Topuria has additionally set his sights on former light-weight champion Islam Makhachev, who vacated his belt final month in anticipation of a transfer to welterweight.