Highlights! Ilia Topuria melts Charles Oliveira with title-winning knockout, shoves Paddy Pimblett during post-fight staredown | UFC 317

Dan Hiergesell is an expert voice who serves as MMAmania.com's weekend editor, covering mixed martial arts (MMA) for more than 15 years, getting featured on programs such as Countdown to UFC and SiriusXM Fight Club, among others.

Ilia Topuria may have solidified himself as the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet last night (Sat., June 28, 2025) at UFC 317 LIVE on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, stunning former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira with a wild first-round knockout (punches) to win the vacant UFC 155-pound title.

This was Topuria’s big chance to prove he’s the next big thing in MMA and the former UFC featherweight champion did that and more. Coming off back-to-back knockout wins over featherweight legends Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, Topuria’s power was expected to play a major role in this main event. Unfortunately for “do Bronx,” that’s what unfolded when the cage door shut.

Oliveira was noticeably larger than Topuria, but “El Matador” still looked like the stronger and more explosive fighter. Oliveira had some success with leg kicks early on only to suffer a cut during a wild exchange of strikes inside. Topuria was only buying his time before launching a perfect right hand counter that slammed into Oliveira’s face. As Oliveira was collapsing to the canvas Topuria landed another short left hand that ended it for good. Oliveira was out for the count and Topuria won himself another UFC title.

After his incredible victory over Oliveira, Topuria was thrust into a post-fight faceoff with long-time rival and lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett inside the Octagon. The two shared some back-and-forth trash talk before Topuria shoved “Baddy” and the two were separated.

Check out the video highlights below:

For complete UFC 317 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.