Ilia Topuria Made This Promise to UFC Before Winning Lightweight Title at UFC 317
Ilia Topuria became the UFC Lightweight Champion at UFC 317 after knocking out Charles Oliveira in the very first round.
But behind the scenes, the undefeated fighter had made a surprising promise to the UFC – he agreed not to talk about moving up to welterweight after the fight.
Topuria Delivers First-Round KO
In front of a roaring Las Vegas crowd, Topuria stunned former champ Charles Oliveira with a brutal right hand at 2:27 of Round 1.
This win crowned him the new lightweight king and extended his record to 17-0.
Read:👉 Topuria Shocks Oliveira with First-Round KO, Faces Off with Pimblett in Heated Faceoff
“Promise Me You Won’t Say It”
In the post-fight press conference, Topuria revealed UFC executives gave him one request:
“They asked me, ‘Please don’t say you want to move to welterweight after the fight,’” Topuria told reporters. “I was like… uhhh… promise,” he added with a laugh.
This moment showed the behind-the-scenes strategy UFC uses to control fighter narratives especially after major title changes.
Why UFC Didn’t Want Him to Mention Welterweight?
Ilia Topuria moving up right after becoming lightweight champ would have thrown the division into chaos.
Islam Makhachev had just vacated the belt to chase welterweight gold. The UFC needed a new champion to anchor the 155-pound division.
Topuria’s silent agreement helped avoid more disruption.
Read more:👉 Dana White Slams UFC 317 Faceoff Between Topuria and Paddy
The Paddy Pimblett Faceoff
After the knockout win, things heated up cage-side. Paddy Pimblett jumped in for an unexpected faceoff. Dana White later said, “I don’t know who the hell let him in there. That shouldn’t have happened.”
Read:👉 Paddy Faces Off with Ilia Topuria After KO at UFC 317
What’s Next for Topuria?
Many fans expected Topuria to call out Islam Makhachev. But that fight might take time. Arman Tsarukyan is likely next in line.
As for Paddy Pimblett? Dana White said he needs one more fight — maybe against someone like Justin Gaethje — before a title shot.
Wow:👉 Ilia Topuria Fired Shots at Paddy Pimblett After UFC 317
UFC 317: One of the Wildest Cards of the Year
UFC 317 also featured big moments like:
