While Ilia Topuria did not face Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight belt, he did win the championships with a dominate first round KO over Charles Oliveira to win the vacant UFC Lightweight belt after moving up from the featherweight division.
The belt in the lightweight division was vacated when Islam Makhachev moved up to the welterweight division where he will face current UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena at a UFC event that has yet to be determined. Showcasing strong boxing movement Ilia Topuria was able to drop Do Bronx before eventually calling him back to his feet where the KO shot landed at 2:27 of the first round.
Ilia Topuria is now 17-0 and has won his last 3 UFC fights by KO including Do Brnox, Max Holloway, and Alexander Volkanovski.
With the win Topuria seems to have grown into the UFC’s biggest star. Now 17-0 the Spanish ‘El Matador’ from Alicante Valencia Spain is one of the few athletes capable of selling out a stadium show. Following his showcase KO Topuria called out Paddy the Baddy UFC star Paddy Pimblett for a super fight at the lightweight division.
Cris Cyborg who won and defended her UFC Championship belt twice had this to say about Ilia Topuria’s rise to fame, “It’s been amazing watching a fighter who is such a great example of a christian to other athletes following him.” Will Ilia Topuria become the Ultimate Fighting Championships next all time great star?
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