Unbelievable Knockout – Topuria Finishes Tsarukyan in 2 Rounds!

Ilia Topuria has done it again. In what was billed as his toughest test to date, the undefeated UFC Lightweight Champion delivered an electrifying knockout victory over the dangerous Arman Tsarukyan, stopping him in the second round and solidifying his place at the top of the 155-pound division.

This bout, which headlined the final UFC pay-per-view of 2025, was expected to be a closely contested war between two of the most talented fighters in the sport. But instead, it became a showcase of Topuria’s evolution, confidence, and finishing instinct as he dismantled one of the division’s most feared grapplers with sheer violence and composure.

The Build-Up: A Superfight of Technical Masters

Leading into the fight, Arman Tsarukyan was widely seen as the man most capable of derailing Topuria’s unbeaten run. With his elite wrestling, high fight IQ, and relentless pace, many analysts predicted that Tsarukyan would drag the champion into deep waters.

Topuria, for his part, dismissed the noise. Confident as always, he vowed to end the fight “before the championship rounds” and prove that he was on another level. Some viewed it as bravado, but those familiar with Topuria’s calm brutality knew not to doubt him.

As the event approached, anticipation reached a fever pitch. The MMA community was divided: some called it a coin-flip, others thought Tsarukyan’s style was kryptonite for Topuria. But very few expected what would actually happen inside the cage.

Round 1: Measured Chaos

The first round began with a sense of caution. Tsarukyan, true to form, opened with feints, level changes, and sharp leg kicks. He even managed a quick takedown early on, briefly putting Topuria on the mat.

But the champion didn’t panic. He popped right back up, smiling, and began to control the center of the Octagon. Using his signature forward pressure and tight boxing, Topuria started landing clean jabs and hooks that pushed Tsarukyan backward.

Midway through the round, Topuria stunned Tsarukyan with a powerful right cross. Though Tsarukyan recovered quickly, it was the first time he looked rattled — and Topuria smelled blood.

By the end of Round 1, it was clear: Tsarukyan had his moments, but Topuria was dictating the pace and showing no signs of fear.

Round 2: Lights Out

The second round opened with more urgency from Tsarukyan, who attempted another takedown — this time stuffed with ease. Topuria, now in rhythm, began walking him down with calculated aggression.

Just over a minute into the round, the moment came.

After setting it up with a fake jab and a step-in feint, Topuria uncorked a devastating overhand right that connected flush on Tsarukyan’s jaw. The challenger collapsed instantly, unconscious before he hit the mat.

The arena exploded.

Referee Herb Dean dove in to stop the fight at 1:26 of Round 2, officially marking a KO victory for Topuria and handing Tsarukyan the first true stoppage loss of his UFC career.

Post-Fight Reaction: Statement Made

After the win, a fired-up Ilia Topuria climbed the cage, roaring to the crowd as he extended his perfect record to 17-0. In the post-fight interview, he was as confident as ever.

“I told you I’d finish him,” Topuria said. “They said he was the most dangerous. I just knocked him out in two rounds. There’s levels to this.”

He then turned his attention to the rest of the division — and hinted at even bigger challenges in 2026.

“Who’s next? I run this division now. I run this sport,” Topuria said.

Tsarukyan: Grace in Defeat

To his credit, Arman Tsarukyan handled the loss with class. In the post-fight press conference, he acknowledged Topuria’s precision and power.

“He caught me clean. I made a mistake, and he capitalized,” Tsarukyan said. “He’s a great champion. I’ll be back.”

Despite the loss, Tsarukyan’s stock doesn’t fall far. He remains one of the most skilled lightweights in the world, and at just 29 years old, has time to regroup and climb the ladder again.

What This Win Means for Topuria

This victory changes the conversation around Ilia Topuria. While he was already respected as a champion, defeating a top-tier contender like Tsarukyan in such dominant fashion elevates him to pound-for-pound discussions.

He’s now finished elite opponents in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions, and his ability to deal with wrestlers, strikers, and pressure fighters alike proves that he is more than hype — he is a complete, modern mixed martial artist.

And with his charisma, confidence, and Georgian-Spanish fanbase, he’s also becoming a global star.

Potential Future Opponents

The lightweight division is stacked, but the list of fighters who look capable of beating Topuria is shrinking. Still, there are a few intriguing matchups:

Islam Makhachev (Superfight)

A superfight between Topuria and the former lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev would be a dream bout for fans. Although Makhachev has recently hinted at moving to welterweight, a return to 155 to face Topuria could break PPV records.

Justin Gaethje

Always dangerous and willing to fight anyone, Gaethje’s wild style versus Topuria’s calculated violence would be a stylistic gem. The UFC could use Gaethje’s name to test Topuria’s chin and pressure.

Charles Oliveira

The former champion remains a lethal finisher, and a fight between him and Topuria would likely not go the distance. It’s a matchup of submission threat versus KO power — and both men love to walk forward.

A New Era at Lightweight

For years, the lightweight division was dominated by names like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. Now, it’s clear that Ilia Topuria is the face of the new generation.

With his dominant win over Tsarukyan, he sends a message to every contender: the belt is not changing hands anytime soon.

He is no longer the hunter — he is the one being hunted.

Conclusion

In a night that will be remembered as a defining chapter in UFC history, Ilia Topuria silenced doubters, destroyed a top contender, and confirmed his greatness.

By knocking out Arman Tsarukyan in just two rounds, he made it clear that the lightweight division now belongs to him — and anyone hoping to take that crown will have to survive a fighter who is faster, sharper, and more dangerous than ever before.

Ilia Topuria’s reign has begun — and he’s only getting better.