Ilia Topuria’s championship reign up at lightweight started with a bang on Saturday night, taking out one of the division’s most beloved names in devastating fashion.
Topuria knocked out former world champ Charles Oliveira on Saturday night to capture the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship in just one round, making him the 10th-ever fighter in the promotion’s history to put together a title reign in two different weight classes.
The lightning-quick win for Topuria – just a minute and a half in total – headlined UFC 317 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Read More: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are getting a 400% pay raise
Topuria proved that the brutal striking power he became known for at featherweight will continue to be a force at lightweight, sleeping Oliveira with a right hook near the halfway point of the opening round.
The Spanish-Georgian star landed a left hook as part of the two-punch combination that put away Oliveira as well, although it was the leading right hand that ended the contest.
Prior to the sudden finish, the lightweights had a brief exchange on the ground. Topuria was able to reverse a takedown attempt from Oliveira to get top position, but found himself returning to the feet after the Brazilian vet grabbed hold of a leg, threatening a potential submission.
28-year-old Topuria first made a name for himself at featherweight, where he took down long-time champ Alexander Volkanovski in just three rounds to claim UFC gold. He later got past another experienced fan favorite last October, overcoming Max Holloway in three rounds.
source: postwrestling.com