Moving Up

Image – WKRG

Scoring finishes at the UFC level is incredibly difficult.  Becoming a champion is a feat only few can accomplish.  But throughout his career so far, Ilia Topuria has made both of those feats appear relatively easy.  In a short span of time, he tore through the featherweight division, brutally knocking out Alex Volkanovski to win the title.  He then followed this up by becoming the first and only person so far to knock out Max Holloway.  This pair of victories alone may rank as one of, if not the most impressive feats of all time.  Rather than continuing his reign, however, Topuria surprised many by vacating the title and moving up to the lightweight division.  Many wanted to see a clash between Topuria and Islam Makhachev.  Instead, Makhachev himself also vacated his title, seeking to move up to 170 pounds.  Thus, Ilia challenged another decorated champion, Charles Oliviera, for the vacant title.  

By this point, most people favored Topuria to win the fight.  Charles had shown himself to be very hittable, and no one doubted Topuria’s finishing power.  Still, the fight was not without risk.  Charles himself possesses knockout ability.  Furthermore, his dangerous grappling ability and size advantage posed potential challenges for Ilia.  Still, Topuria continued to carry himself with such brazen confidence, even celebrating his victory before the fight took place.  

Image – Skysports

The Fight

As he has done so far, Topuria made good on his promise and dominated the fight.  He finished Oliviera inside the first round, but it was certainly exciting while it lasted.  Both men exchanged heavy strikes early on.  Charles attempted to take Topuria down, but Ilia impressively reversed and ended up on top.  The brief grappling exchange proved intense, with Ilia escaping some dangerous submission attempts.  After welcoming Charles back to the feet, Topuria cracked Charles with a clean hook, finishing the former champion in style.  

Future

Although Charles had famously been dropped in previous fights, the manner in which Topuria finished stood out.  In less than one round, he left Charles completely unresponsive on the canvas.  The victory adds to Topuria’s already legendary resume, and has suddenly revitalized a division that lost its reigning champion.  With his star rising higher than ever, options abound for Topuria’s next fight.  He could settle a long time grudge with Paddy Pimblett, who himself has proved many wrong after finishing Michael Chandler.  Topuria could also look to fight Justin Gaethje, potentially adding another legendary name to his list.  A rematch with former opponent Max Holloway, this time for the BMF belt, may prove enticing as well.  Perhaps most of all, many wish to see him finally battle Islam Makhachev, who himself has looked near unstoppable.  Not only has Topuria beaten the best of the best, but the manner in which he has done so sets him apart from anyone else.  Fight fans should hope that the biggest and best fights for him are yet to come.

Image – Daily Reporter