Ilia Topuria’s lightweight takeover sparks biggest UFC feud since McGregor-Khabib

In a moment that may echo through UFC lore for years to return, Ilia Topuria solidified himself as certainly one of the game’s brightest stars by flattening former champion Charles Oliveira in the primary round of their UFC 317 primary event to say the vacant lightweight title and grow to be the promotion’s newest two-division champion. The unbeaten Georgian-Spaniard, who had already reigned as featherweight king before vacating that crown, delivered a masterclass in power and precision, knocking out Oliveira on the 2:27 mark with a crushing right hand followed by a left hook for good measure, a mix that left the Brazilian legend unconscious and the T-Mobile Arena crowd in awe.

From the opening bell, Topuria’s confidence was palpable. He countered Oliveira’s early grappling advances with a hip toss that showcased his underrated grappling chops. Once back on their feet, Topuria’s jab set the stage for the fight-ending sequence, proving that his boxing is as elite as his ground game. The win not only prolonged Topuria’s flawless record to 17-0 but in addition made him just the tenth fighter in UFC history to carry titles in two weight classes, feat achieved in a mere 16 months since capturing the featherweight strap.

The post-fight interview with Joe Rogan was as explosive because the fight itself. Topuria, adrenaline still coursing through his veins, wasted no time in addressing each his victory and his next goal. “I already said it,” Topuria declared, his voice booming through the sector. “I represent the brand new generation of mixed martial arts. That is the subsequent level of the sport.” He made it clear that his prediction of a first-round knockout was not only bravado, but a promise he intended to maintain, and deliver he did.

Nevertheless it was Topuria’s callout of Paddy Pimblett that sent shockwaves through the MMA community. In a moment of unfiltered intensity, Topuria didn’t mince words, dropping X-rated language and issuing a direct challenge to the British lightweight sensation. “If he thinks he’s ready, come on you blonde b—-,” Topuria roared, his post-fight interview already trending on social media before the event even concluded. The energy was electric, and the group responded with a mixture of shock and excitement.

Topuria vs. Pimblett Faceoff

The drama didn’t stop on the interview. In a scene paying homage to the game’s most iconic rivalries, Paddy Pimblett was summoned into the octagon for an impromptu faceoff. The group erupted because the two rivals stood toe-to-toe, trading barbs and shoves, their long-simmering feud boiling over within the highlight. Pimblett, grinning ear to ear, didn’t back down. “That was a heavy knockout, but you won’t ever knock me out. I’d finish you,” he fired back, setting the stage for what may very well be probably the most anticipated lightweight clash since Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov.

UFC President Dana White, while impressed by the night’s theatrics, admitted the faceoff “should’ve never happened,” especially with Topuria’s family within the cage. But even White couldn’t deny the undeniable: Topuria vs. Pimblett is now the fight the world desires to see.

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Why Topuria vs. Pimblett Is the Next Superfight

The rivalry between Topuria and Pimblett is years within the making. Their first altercation occurred at a hotel before UFC London in 2022, and the stress has only escalated since. Pimblett, riding high after a decisive win over Michael Chandler in April, is ranked eighth within the division and has grow to be certainly one of the UFC’s most marketable stars. Topuria, meanwhile, has established himself as a pound-for-pound elite, with a highlight reel featuring knockout victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, two of the game’s all-time greats.

Topuria has made it clear that he wants Pimblett next, but provided that the Liverpudlian earns his shot with yet one more win. “In an ideal world? Paddy would get a win after which we might fight,” Topuria told reporters. “After all, I’d finish him, but I’d enjoy that fight, because that’s certainly one of those where you’ve gotten two guys that basically need to fight with one another.” Topuria’s manager, Jose Diaz, has even likened the potential matchup to McGregor vs. Aldo, envisioning a world press tour and a level of hype rarely seen in the game.

The parallels between Topuria-Pimblett and McGregor-Khabib are unimaginable to disregard. Each pairs represent a clash of cultures, personalities, and fighting styles. McGregor and Khabib’s feud transcended the game, capturing the imagination of casual fans and hardcore enthusiasts alike. Topuria and Pimblett, with their larger-than-life personas and undeniable charisma, are poised to do the identical.

What sets this potential showdown apart is the real animosity between the 2. Topuria and Pimblett have traded barbs, shoves, and even a hotel altercation. The narrative writes itself: the unbeaten, cocky champion versus the brash, fan-favorite challenger. It’s a recipe for a blockbuster event that might shatter pay-per-view records and cement Topuria’s status because the face of the UFC’s latest era.

What’s Next for Topuria?

With the lightweight belt now around his waist, Topuria has a goal on his back. While Pimblett appears to be the frontrunner for his first title defense, other contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje are also in the combo. But Topuria’s vision is obvious: he wants Pimblett, and he wants the fight to be as big as possible.

“I don’t care if it’s entertaining to observe; it simply shouldn’t have occurred,” Dana White said of the post-fight faceoff. “However the fans want it, and that’s what matters.” The UFC’s matchmakers now face the enviable task of capitalizing on this red-hot rivalry.

Ilia Topuria’s knockout of Charles Oliveira was greater than only a championship victory, it was a press release. In lower than three minutes, he announced his arrival as certainly one of the game’s true elite and set the stage for what may very well be the largest fight in lightweight history. The disagreement with Paddy Pimblett contained in the octagon was just the start.

With each men desperate to settle their rating, and the MMA world watching with bated breath, Topuria vs. Pimblett is shaping as much as be the must-see event of the 12 months, a clash of titans that may define the subsequent chapter of UFC history.