Charles Oliveira`s performance at UFC 317 certainly didn`t yield the desired outcome. Competing for the vacant lightweight title, Oliveira was handed a stunning first-round knockout defeat by Ilia Topuria. Topuria secured the finish with a devastating right hook followed by a left hand, sending the Brazilian fighter violently to the canvas.
This marked the first time Oliveira had been stopped by knockout in nearly eight years; his previous knockout loss was against Paul Felder via elbows back in 2017. Following the recent event, Oliveira took to social media to issue a brief statement addressing his loss to Topuria.
“It wasn`t how we wanted it but I`m fine,” Oliveira shared on Instagram. “I just want to thank everyone for the affection and the wonderful energy. God bless you all.”
Despite the fight concluding in under three minutes, Oliveira initiated the action aggressively, testing Topuria early. He briefly managed to take the fight to the ground, finding temporary success as he attempted a submission. However, Topuria proved too skillful to be caught.
Once the contest returned to striking, Topuria`s power and precision became evident and ultimately proved overwhelming for the Brazilian.
Topuria`s lead jab consistently landed effectively. More significantly, after gauging Oliveira`s timing and range against the taller fighter, he appeared to be patiently waiting for the opportunity to land fight-ending strikes.
That moment arrived during another intense exchange. Topuria unleashed a powerful right hook that visibly twisted Oliveira`s head, causing him to lose consciousness almost instantly. As Oliveira began to fall, Topuria added a left hand for good measure.
Oliveira was unconscious before he hit the ground, prompting referee Marc Goddard to immediately intervene and stop the bout at the 2:27 mark of the opening round.
While undeniably a setback, Oliveira remains a prominent figure near the top of the lightweight division rankings. A significant fight likely awaits him once he has recovered, healed, and is prepared to compete again.
