Ilia Topuria`s route to capturing a lightweight championship will involve a bout against Charles Oliveira, bypassing a potential superfight with the division`s reigning king, Islam Makhachev.
Earlier this year, Topuria relinquished his featherweight title, sparking rumors of a possible clash with Makhachev for the 155-pound crown. However, a change in circumstances occurred when Makhachev`s friend and teammate, Belal Muhammad, lost his welterweight championship to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. This defeat paved the way for Makhachev to pursue a challenge for a second title in the welterweight division.
UFC CEO Dana White recently solidified the promotion`s plans by announcing that Islam Makhachev is slated to compete against Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at an upcoming event yet to be scheduled. Consequently, Ilia Topuria is now set to headline UFC 317 on June 28, where he will battle Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title, which has been officially declared vacant.
While the scheduled bouts—Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena and Topuria vs. Oliveira—are widely recognized as compelling title contests, the booking has prompted discussion about whether the potential high-profile matchup between Topuria and Makhachev represents a lost opportunity.
