Topuria makes UFC history knocking out Oliveira in first round

 TIBLISI -- Georgian MMA fighter Ilia Topuria set a record at the UFC 317 in Las Vegas by delivering a spectacular first-round knockout against former champion Charles Oliveira, claiming the vacant UFC lightweight title and becoming the first undefeated two-division champion in the promotion’s history.

 Topuria, who cancels featherweight title to move up in weight, lived up to his bold prediction with a harsh finish Sunday just 2 minutes and 27 seconds into the fight, delivering a fierce right hand punch followed by a crushing left hook that floored Oliveira instantly.

 Remarkably, Topuria fulfilled his pre-fight prediction to secure a first-round knockout. This win extends Topuria’s string of big-name knockouts—a run that includes Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, both former featherweight icons.

He becomes the first fighter in UFC history to win titles in two different divisions while remaining undefeated, and ranks among just 10 fighters to win UFC belts in multiple weight classes. The victory solidified his place among the UFC elite with a perfect 17–0 record.

 The event drew nearly 20,000 fans. Post-fight drama escalated as Topuria faced off with rival Paddy Pimblett inside the Octagon, igniting hype for a potential match later this year.

 Topuria’s rise has been meteoric, and at 17–0, he now joins the ranks of Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes as a multi-division UFC champion.

 But, unlike them, he’s done it without a single loss. Trained by his brother and guided by a close-knit team, Topuria's blend of technical precision, raw power, and tactical IQ has made him one of the most feared fighters in the world.

 jp-rd