Ilia Topuria flatlines Charles Oliveira, faces off with Paddy Pimblett at UFC 317

UFC 317 closed out a with a fight for the promotion's vacant lightweight title between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira.

Following a title-winning knockout against Alexander Volkanovski and follow-up win over another divisional great in Max Holloway, Topuria elected to vacate his featherweight belt in order to pursue a full-time move to the lightweight division.

Topuria missed out on a superfight with Islam Makhachev when Makhachev also decided to vacate the lightweight belt and move up a division, but that set up another huge fight with former 155 lbs. titleholder Oliveira in the main event of UFC 317.

Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France. — Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira. | (Zuffa LLC)

Topuria Flattens Oliveira To Win Title

Topuria vs. Oliveira was the second title fight at UFC 317, which also featured a co-main event where Alexandre Pantoja defended his flyweight belt for the fourth time via third-round submission against Kai Kara-France.

Only ONE can become the NEW lightweight KING 👑@IliaTopuria vs @CharlesDoBronxs

[ #UFC317 LIVE NOW on @ESPN PPV ] pic.twitter.com/zWMRnucrje
— UFC (@ufc) June 29, 2025

Both men got right to work throwing strikes from the opening bell, and after the first 30 seconds Oliveira clinched up to look for a takedown but ended up in bottom position.

Topuria quickly moved to side control before he fought off a leg lock attempt from the Brazilian and invited him back to his feet, where the two men traded shots until "El Matador" connected with a vicious right hand that put Oliveira on his back.

"Do Bronx" already looked to be out once he hit the mat, and after Topuria jumped in with follow-up shots referee Marc Goddard stepped in to call a stop to the action.

A MAN OF HIS WORD 😱@TopuriaIlia called his shot and got the 1st RD KO! #UFC317 pic.twitter.com/BdLxZuk8Ph
— UFC (@ufc) June 29, 2025

The newly-crowned UFC lightweight champion was quick to disparage #1 lightweight contender and UFC 317 backup fighter Arman Tsarukyan immediately following the win, but Joe Rogan elected to invite Paddy Pimblett into the Octagon for an unexpected face off.

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