Ilia Topuria joins UFC’s elite with dominant KO win over Oliveira

IIlia Topuria made his entrance to a chorus of boos and the scent of 16 roses carried by his team — but he left with the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in the palm of his hand. His walkout song, Canción del Mariachi, united Spanish and Latino fans alike. El Matador did it again, and the crowd let him know it. A wave of cheers and applause followed his latest triumph: a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 that crowned him a two-weight UFC champion. The lightweight title was on the line, and Topuria claimed it in just 2 minutes and 27 seconds. “I always say I represent the new generation of MMA,” said the Spanish-Georgian, who squared off with his archrival Paddy Pimblett immediately after the win.

Topuria had warned everyone what was coming. Over the past few days, he’d been jeered and criticized by the American crowd — around 20,000 strong. But that didn’t last. As he joined the elite club of double champions, only the 11th fighter in UFC history to do so, and finished off another legend, the fans had no choice but to recognize his level.

With some of the UFC’s biggest names seated cageside — including Merab Dvalishvili, Tom Aspinall, Amanda Nunes, former foe Alexander Volkanovski, and Aljamain Sterling — the Spanish-Georgian added to his growing legacy. And he’s not done yet. Both fighters came out swinging from the opening bell, trading violent blows that could have floored either man. Oliveira went for a takedown and pinned Topuria against the cage, but the Spaniard reversed position and took top control. The grappling was intense, with the Brazilian threatening a leg lock — but El Matador escaped and brought the fight back to the feet.

It didn’t take long. In one of those exchanges, Topuria caught him — a right hook followed by a clean left dropped Oliveira flat. Bloodied and stunned, the Brazilian hit the canvas as Topuria swarmed with the finish. The referee had to step in. Another one. Another legend falls to the fists of the Spanish-Georgian phenom, who keeps proving he has no equal. For a few moments, the T-Mobile Arena fell silent, stunned by what they had just witnessed. One round. He promised it — and he delivered.

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