Ilia Topuria will look to become a two-time UFC champion by facing Charles Oliveira for the lightweight belt at UFC 317, following Makhachev's departure from the division

Full article

Topuria jumps to lightweight with a bang: fight confirmed against Oliveira at UFC 317

The moment that many have been waiting for has a date and a name. Ilia Topuria will step back into the octagon on June 28 in Las Vegas, and it won't be for just any fight. The undefeated Spanish-Georgian (16-0) will fight Charles Oliveira (35-10) for the lightweight belt at UFC 317 during International Fight Week. A new challenge for ‘El Matador’, who is looking to add to his legend and become a two-division champion.

The news, which had been rumoured for weeks, was confirmed by Dana White himself on social media after midnight. Thus the doubts were cleared: Islam Makhachev will not be Topuria's opponent, as had been speculated at first. The Dagestani, the current lightweight champion, has decided to move up to welterweight to pursue his own goal of becoming champion in two divisions, now against Jack Della Maddalena. That move has left the throne vacant - and Topuria wants to sit on it.

Oliveira, meanwhile, represents a litmus test. The Brazilian is no stranger to the lightweight belt: he won it in 2021 and defended it with grit until he lost it to Makhachev. With an aggressive style, plenty of experience and a frightening record of finishes, this will be the biggest challenge Ilia has faced in his career.

But Topuria is more than ready. That's what his entourage assures him. His physiotherapist, Fran Ortega, is clear about it: "This is one of the strongest times I have seen him. Not having to cut so much weight has benefited him a lot. He's fast, with no discomfort... better than ever". The change in weight class, to 155 pounds, has been strategic and physical. Topuria had already tried his luck at this weight in 2022, when he knocked out Jai Herbert in London with a crushing right hand that earned him his first bonus of the night. Since then, his streak has been unstoppable, racking up wins and awards.

In fact, every Ilia fight since that bout has ended in victory... and a bonus check. In all, five bonuses of the night totaling $250,000. All that, not to mention his rising fame and impact outside the octagon, especially after capturing the featherweight title last February.

Now, the plan is set: after participating in the WOW 20 event in Madrid on June 7, he will travel to Las Vegas to complete his preparation. There, he will fine-tune the final details before entering the most important cage of his life. The goal is clear: to make history.

And the truth is, with Makhachev's departure and the perfect setting of International Fight Week, Topuria couldn't have dreamed of a better time to go for the double. If he can defeat Oliveira, he would not only keep his undefeated record intact, but he would also position himself as one of the most important faces in the UFC globally. From promise, to champion... and now, on to legacy.

Will Ilia be ready to make a splash in his new division? In just a few weeks, the octagon will answer.