First-round knockout marks a new era at 155 lbs Ilia Topuria made a thunderous statement at UFC 317 in Las Vegas, knocking out former champion Charles Oliveira in the first round to capture the vacant UFC lightweight title. The unde
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First-round knockout marks a new era at 155 lbs
Ilia Topuria made a thunderous statement at UFC 317 in Las Vegas, knocking out former champion Charles Oliveira in the first round to capture the vacant UFC lightweight title.
The undefeated Spaniard (17-0), who previously dominated the featherweight division, moved up to 155 pounds after Islam Makhachev vacated the belt. Facing Oliveira’s experience and size, Topuria stayed composed, avoided danger on the ground, and capitalized on a striking exchange to end the fight.
A clean right hook followed by a devastating left sent Oliveira to the canvas, sealing Topuria’s pre-fight prediction of a first-round finish.
“I represent the new generation of mixed martial arts,” Topuria said post-fight. “This is the next level of the game.”
In the co-main event, Brazil’s Alexandre Pantoja retained his flyweight title with a third-round rear-naked choke submission over Kai Kara-France.
