Ilia Topuria shocked the entire UFC world. Making his lightweight debut, the Spaniard was up against Charles Oliveira. And while everyone thought it would be a tough ask for Topuria, the reality was quite contrasting. Now then, while ‘El Matador’ is now a two-division champion, he is looking for fresh challenges. And while Paddy Pimblett might seem like a good choice, Dana White is not approving it yet.
Soon after the fight, Topuria called out to Pimblett, who was present in the stands. In reply, ‘The Baddy’ came inside the octagon and had a heated exchange with the champion. Topuria even pushed him as the security personnel intervened. Looking at the scenario, it seemed like Pimblett would be the next in line to fight Topuria. Unfortunately, UFC head honcho, Dana White, had other ideas. White stated that he did not have an idea why Pimblett went inside the octagon. He also said that he won’t be thinking much about it at the moment.
“I don’t know who the hell let [Paddy] in there. That should’ve never happened,” said White.
Dana White doesn’t approve of Paddy Pimblett facing off with Ilia Topuria 😭
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 29, 2025
“I don’t know who the hell let [Paddy] in there. That should’ve never happened.”
🎥 @ufc #UFC317pic.twitter.com/A0Og12BaHx
Surely, this was a significant statement from White. The lightweight division has a lot of contenders to challenge for the belt at the moment. Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan will be waiting for their turns, too. Meanwhile, coming to the UFC 317 main event, Ilia Topuria proved why he is on a next level.
Ilia Topuria Stuns Charles Oliveira In Round 1
Topuria called it. He stated that it will take one round for him to knock Oliveira out. While not many believed him, ‘El Matador’ has proven his worth. Right from the beginning, Topuria looked on top. In fact, he opened with a flurry of jabs that busted open Oliveira’s face. ‘Du Bronx’ did try to restore parity. He went for the body and managed to take Topuria to the ground.
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Ilia Topuria has knocked out Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira in his last three fights 👊
— ESPN (@espn) June 29, 2025
His resume continues to get better 🏆 #UFC317 pic.twitter.com/fPABecYHiG
Oliveira also tried to go for a submission on Topuria’s legs. But once Topuria and Oliveira started to exchange blows, it was all over for the former champion. Topuria connected and thudded Oliveira to the ground. Now, Topuria has knocked out Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira back to back. And with the ‘El Matador’ going strong, it remains to be seen who comes up to challenge him next.
Also Read: Ilia Topuria Looks Ahead UFC 317, Teases Fight With Paddy Pimblett
