Watch Ilia Topuria become the first fighter to KO Max Holloway | Full Fight Video
•Yahoo Sports
Before becoming the undisputed lightweight champion of the world, Ilia Topuria held the featherweight title. In his lone title defense of his 145-pound reign, Topuria did what no other fighter had been able to do before. "El Matador" faced former featherweight champion Max Holloway in the UFC 308 main event in October 2024.
Early in the third round, Topuria knocked the Hawaiian out. He relinquished the 145-pound belt and moved up to the 155-pound division following the win over Holloway. He then knocked out Charles Oliveira to become a two-division UFC champion.
The 29 year-old puts the lightweight championship on the line in the UFC Freedom 250 main event at the White House on June 14 against two-time interim titleholder Justin Gaethje .