Topuria’s Reign Expands: The Birth of a Two-Division UFC Champion
The UFC has a new king of two divisions, and his name is Ilia Topuria. In what can only be described as a masterclass of precision and power, Topuria dismantled former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in Las Vegas, adding another gold belt to his collection.
The Moment That Changed Everything
I’ve covered hundreds of fights in my career, but few knockouts have left me speechless like this one. Topuria’s finish of Oliveira wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement to the entire lightweight division.
The Georgian-Spaniard stalked Oliveira throughout the fight with the calm demeanor of a predator who knew exactly when to strike. When that moment came, it was sudden and devastating. A perfectly timed right hand sent the Brazilian crashing to the canvas, and just like that, UFC history was rewritten.
From Featherweight King to Lightweight Conqueror
Just eight months after dethroning Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title, Topuria has accomplished what many fighters only dream of—becoming a simultaneous two-division champion. The 27-year-old phenom now joins the elite company of Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Henry Cejudo as fighters who have held two UFC belts at the same time.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the opposition. Charles Oliveira isn’t just any lightweight—he’s the division’s submission record holder and one of the most dangerous fighters on the planet. Yet Topuria made it look easy.
The Fight Breakdown: How Topuria Dominated
From the opening bell, Topuria showed zero respect for Oliveira’s legendary ground game. When the fight hit the mat briefly in round one, he didn’t panic—he calculated. On the feet, his pressure was relentless but controlled.
The knockout sequence itself was a thing of beauty. Topuria feinted, created an opening, and launched a missile of a right hand that connected flush on Oliveira’s chin. Game over.
“I told you guys I would knock him out,” Topuria declared in his post-fight interview. “There isn’t a man alive at 145 or 155 pounds who can stand with me. I am inevitable.”
What’s Next for “El Matador”?
The biggest question now is whether Topuria will attempt to defend both titles or focus on one division. The challenges are already lining up:
- At featherweight, Max Holloway is waiting in the wings after his spectacular knockout of Justin Gaethje
- At lightweight, Islam Makhachev presents perhaps the toughest stylistic matchup for Topuria
- A potential superfight with Conor McGregor could be the biggest payday of his career
Whatever path he chooses, Topuria’s star power is undeniable. With an undefeated record (15-0), devastating knockout power, and charisma that translates across languages, the UFC has found its newest superstar.
The Impact on UFC’s European Expansion
Topuria’s rise couldn’t come at a better time for the UFC’s European ambitions. As both Georgian and Spanish, he represents a bridge between markets that have traditionally been underserved by the promotion. Dana White has already hinted at a potential stadium show in Spain that could break attendance records.
For a sport still growing internationally, having a charismatic champion who connects with multiple regions is promotional gold.
The Fallen Champion: What’s Next for Oliveira?
For Charles Oliveira, this defeat marks the second knockout loss in his last four fights. At 34, questions will inevitably arise about his future at the highest level. Yet writing off “Do Bronx” would be foolish—he’s overcome adversity throughout his entire career.
The Brazilian remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the division and could easily find himself back in title contention with a couple of wins.
The New Era Has Arrived
Make no mistake—what we witnessed at UFC 317 wasn’t just another title change. It was the confirmation of a new era in mixed martial arts. Ilia Topuria has arrived at the pinnacle of the sport, and based on what we’ve seen, he might stay there for a very long time.
The question isn’t whether Topuria belongs among the elite—it’s whether anyone can stop him from becoming the face of the UFC for years to come.
What did you think of Topuria’s performance? Who should he defend against first? Drop a comment below with your thoughts!
Source: BBC Sport