Ilia Topuria delivered yet another spectacular performance at UFC 317, knocking out former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in just 2:27 of the first round to claim the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship. Already the first Georgian and Spanish fighter to win a UFC title, Topuria now becomes the tenth multi-division champion in UFC history. His perfect 17–0 record features a terrifying blend of knockout power and slick submissions, and his latest triumph pushed him to the #1 spot in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings. With a career trajectory marked by finishes of Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and now Oliveira, Topuria has solidified himself as one of the most dangerous and technically gifted fighters on the planet.
Next up for Ilia Topuria should be a blockbuster title defense against #10-ranked Paddy Pimblett, who faced off with him inside the Octagon immediately after the UFC 317 main event. The UFC wasted no time teasing this grudge match, recognizing both the competitive intrigue and the massive promotional potential of pitting its surging Spanish-Georgian champion against the brash English star. Pimblett has won seven straight fights, including a recent TKO over Michael Chandler at UFC 314, and has evolved from a hype-driven brawler into a legitimate contender with strong grappling and improving striking.
Stylistically, Topuria vs. Pimblett promises fireworks. Topuria’s laser-precise boxing, vicious body work, and lethal submissions will test Pimblett’s defense and toughness, while Pimblett’s creativity, size, and dangerous ground game will force Topuria to remain disciplined. Add in their combustible personalities and the history of in-Octagon trash talk, and you have a ready-made pay-per-view headliner that would light up Europe, the US, or anywhere in between.
Last Five Fights – Ilia Topuria:
1. Win over Charles Oliveira – KO (punches), UFC 317 (June 28, 2025)
2. Win over Max Holloway – KO (punches), UFC 308 (October 26, 2024)
3. Win over Alexander Volkanovski – KO (punch), UFC 298 (February 17, 2024)
4. Win over Josh Emmett – Decision (unanimous), UFC on ABC (June 24, 2023)
5. Win over Bryce Mitchell – Submission (arm-triangle choke), UFC 282 (December 10, 2022)
Last Five Fights – Paddy Pimblett:
1. Win over Michael Chandler – TKO (elbows and punches), UFC 314 (April 12, 2025)
2. Win over King Green – Technical Submission (triangle choke), UFC 304 (July 27, 2024)
3. Win over Tony Ferguson – Decision (unanimous), UFC 296 (December 16, 2023)
4. Win over Jared Gordon – Decision (unanimous), UFC 282 (December 10, 2022)
5. Win over Jordan Leavitt – Submission (rear-naked choke), UFC Fight Night (July 23, 2022)
