Charles of the Bronx shares shock after brutal knockout by Ilia Topuria: 'I didn't know what had happened'

Ilia Topuria x Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC Brasil

PUBLICITY:

Charles of the Bronx suffered one of the hardest defeats of his career when he was knocked out by Ilia Topuria in the main fight of UFC 317, valid for the lightweight world title (up to 70,3 kg). In the midst of this scenario, the Foggy Lion surrendered to the talent of the Georgian/Spanish and stated that his former opponent possesses the greatest knockout power he has ever experienced as a professional athlete.

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“Ilia is definitely the hardest puncher I’ve ever faced. He’s the one who hit me the hardest. There’s no denying it. I’ve taken some pretty hard hits from guys like Justin gaethje, Dustin poirier e Michael chandler, which only ended in knockdown…I'd never been knocked out before. I've been knocked down by punches before, but this time I was knocked out. It was something new for me. I didn't know what had happened," the former champion said in an interview with Ag. Fight.

Charles Oliveira says Ilia Topuria is the hardest hitter he's ever faced

"Ilia is definitely the hardest hitter [I've ever faced]. He's the one who hit me the hardest. There's no denying it. I've taken really hard hits from guys like Justin gaethje, Dustin poirier, and… pic.twitter.com/IfK5YaJZdX

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 9, 2025

Charles of the Bronx had never been knocked out so brutally.

Ilia Topuria won Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

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Despite suffering a few quick defeats in nearly 15 years competing in the world's largest MMA organization, the Brazilian had never lost consciousness in a fight. He had already been defeated by Cub swanson e Paul felder by technical knockout, in duels in 2012 and 2017, respectively.