Ilia Topuria Becomes UFC Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria captured the vacant UFC lightweight title at UFC 317 with a second-round knockout of Charles Oliveira. The fight ended at 2:27 of the second round, extending Topuria's undefeated record to 17-0 and marking a new era in the division.
- The victory makes Topuria the 10th fighter in UFC history to win championships in two different weight classes. He accomplished this feat while remaining undefeated. - This championship bout was for a vacant title because the previous champion, Islam Makhachev, moved up to the welterweight division. - Topuria previously held the UFC Featherweight Championship, which he vacated in order to move up to the lightweight division for this title opportunity. - For Charles Oliveira, this was an attempt to reclaim the lightweight title he previously held from May 2021 until May 2022, when he was stripped of the belt for missing weight. - With 15 of his 17 professional wins coming by way of knockout or submission, Topuria continues to build on his reputation as one of the most dangerous finishers in the sport. - The win earned Topuria a "Performance of the Night" bonus, his fifth such award in the UFC. - Potential future opponents for Topuria in the crowded lightweight division include top contenders Islam Makhachev, the former champion, and Arman Tsarukyan. - Topuria is the first fighter representing Spain and Georgia to win a UFC championship.
