Ilia Topuria proved why he is considered one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in all of combat sports Saturday night. Topuria put Charles Oliveira to sleep in the main event of UFC 317 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
In the process, Topuria, a former UFC featherweight champion, claimed the vacant lightweight title. He is now a double-champion, something only a handful of fighters can boast.
Topuria landed the finish inside of the first round, marking his 15th finish in 17 fights. He has yet to taste defeat, earning wins over the likes of Oliveira, Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski - all champions - in his last three bouts.
After the performance, Topuria made it known that he wants to showcase his skills against Paddy Pimblett next, bringing the top contender into the Octagon for a heated face-off.
Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria faced off in the Octagon after Topuria's UFC lightweight title win at #UFC317 😳 pic.twitter.com/Immx3bc3SA
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 29, 2025
"We have some (expletive) (expletive) in this arena," Topuria said (thanks to MMA Fighting for the quotes). "There is a blonde (expletive). There is a guy that when (it comes time) to deliver, his back hurts. Whoever is ready for me, I'm here.
"I don't think (Pimblett) is going to accept. But if he thinks that he's ready, come on you blonde (expletive)."
Pimblett, who was in attendance, answered the call, stepping up to Topuria. He made it known that Topuria "will not knock" him out.
"You know you can't knock me out," he said. "You know I don't get knocked out. I finish you little man."