It was a historic night for MMA as Ilia “El Matador” Topuria became the new UFC lightweight world champion with a jaw-dropping first-round knockout over Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira at UFC 317. The fight, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, ended at 2:27 of Round 1 after a brutal combo from the Spaniard left the Brazilian veteran unable to continue.

With this win, the 28-year-old Georgian-born Spaniard becomes the first undefeated fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes, having already captured the featherweight belt in 2024. Topuria now boasts a perfect 17–0 record, including seven KOs and two submissions. Meanwhile, Oliveira, 35, walks away with 36 career wins (21 by submission) and 12 losses.

All-out storm from the opening bell

Right from the start, Topuria came out swinging—aggressive, sharp, and calculated. He quickly opened up a cut above Oliveira’s right eye and kept the pressure on. Then came the finish: a vicious left-right combo dropped the Brazilian, and a final right hand sealed the deal, forcing the ref to step in. The crowd exploded in disbelief at one of the cleanest knockouts of the year.

“I told you it’d be fast—and that was the plan: hooks and jabs,” said Topuria after the fight, draped in the Spanish flag and holding both championship belts. “I’m part of that next-level generation in MMA,” he added, clearly emotional in the moment.

Double champ and still hungry

This win cements Ilia Topuria as one of the brightest stars in the UFC today. After taking down names like Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and now Oliveira, the Spaniard has proven he belongs at the very top. “I’m ready for anyone—bring on the next one,” he said confidently.

In a combat sports world often overshadowed by flashy showdowns and circus fights, Topuria is a breath of fresh air—delivering real action, high-level technique, and knockout power. At just 28 years old with two belts on his shoulders, this might just be the beginning of something legendary.