Ilia Topuria Kept His Promise In KO Win

Ilia Topuria told people this week that he would knock out Charles Oliveira in the first round. With 2:27 left in the first round. Topuria connected with a short right to Oliveira’s chin and followed with a left hook. The second shot was just put the cherry on top, as Oliveira was already sleep on his way down to the ground. Stopping Oliveira to claim the vacant UFC lightweight champion at UFC 316 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I already said it,” said Topuria, who even held a preemptive celebratory dinner Friday in anticipation of the victory. “I represent the new era of mixed martial arts. This is the next level of the game.”

It was a bold statement but one that matched the performance. After a dominant showing that showcased speed, precision, and composure.  In an era where evolution defines greatness, he’s positioning himself not just as a good champion, but as the face of MMA’s future.

Ilia Topuria joins very rare company as a two division champion by defeating Oliveira. He’s now only the 10th two weight champion in UFC history.