UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has vacated his title, paving the way for Ilia Topuria to meet Charles Oliveira for the belt at UFC 317 on June 29.
Published a year ago on May 15th 2025, 6:00 am
By Web Desk
Ilia Topuria's first appearance as a UFC lightweight will be for a championship, but it will not be against Islam Makhachev.
UFC CEO Dana White announced Tuesday that Topuria (16-0) will face former champion Charles Oliveira (35-10) for the vacant 155-pound title at UFC 317 on June 28 in Las Vegas. Makhachev (27-1) a four-time defending champion will vacate the belt to move up to welterweight to face newly crowned Jack Della Maddalena for a second belt at a later date.
"On June 28, another dream will come true," Topuria wrote on social media. "I'll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance... I'm just fighting for my dreams. It's unfortunate that Makhachev ran away."
Additionally, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja (29-5) will defend his title against Kai Kara-France (25-11) in the co-main event of UFC 317, which will take place at T-Mobile Arena.
Topuria, of Spain, vacated his 145-pound title after one defense earlier this year. His two 145-pound title fights came against two of the best all time in Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. He knocked out both in 2024 and decided to move up to 155 pounds.
Oliveira, of Brazil, has been waiting for a chance to reclaim the belt he surrendered to Makhachev in 2022. He is coming off a decision win against Michael Chandler in November.
Makhachev is ranked the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world by ESPN, and Topuria is ranked No. 2.
UFC CEO Dana White announced Tuesday that Topuria (16-0) will face former champion Charles Oliveira (35-10) for the vacant 155-pound title at UFC 317 on June 28 in Las Vegas. Makhachev (27-1) a four-time defending champion will vacate the belt to move up to welterweight to face newly crowned Jack Della Maddalena for a second belt at a later date.
"On June 28, another dream will come true," Topuria wrote on social media. "I'll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance... I'm just fighting for my dreams. It's unfortunate that Makhachev ran away."
Additionally, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja (29-5) will defend his title against Kai Kara-France (25-11) in the co-main event of UFC 317, which will take place at T-Mobile Arena.
Topuria, of Spain, vacated his 145-pound title after one defense earlier this year. His two 145-pound title fights came against two of the best all time in Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. He knocked out both in 2024 and decided to move up to 155 pounds.
Oliveira, of Brazil, has been waiting for a chance to reclaim the belt he surrendered to Makhachev in 2022. He is coming off a decision win against Michael Chandler in November.
Makhachev is ranked the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world by ESPN, and Topuria is ranked No. 2.
Operation Shaban-2: Six terrorists killed in Saran Tangi area of Balochistan
- 21 hours ago
GM can’t ‘bring back’ Apple CarPlay because it never left
- 10 hours ago
How to be an AI minimalist
- 8 hours ago
Bungie says it’s ‘not done with Destiny’ and will bring back vaulted content
- 10 hours ago
England fast bowler Wood retires from internationals after battling injuries
- 21 hours ago
iPhone owners can now submit a claim in Apple’s $250 million Siri AI lawsuit
- 10 hours ago
Trump urges complete isolation of Iran, expects deal after election
- 18 hours ago
11 hurt as student opens fire outside Turkiye school
- a day ago
How violent West Bank settlers are threatening Israel’s alliance with America
- 8 hours ago
Pakistan Navy, Coast Guards thwart major smuggling attempt in Balochistan
- an hour ago
Pakistan downs eight drones launched from Afghan side: security sources
- 23 minutes ago
The quiet campaign to stop Kamala 2028 is growing louder
- 8 hours ago
You May Like
Trending
