The idea of a potential showdown between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev at UFC 317 started gaining traction after UFC 314. During the post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White told reporters he would love to see the two face off.
However, there’s still no official confirmation on the fight—until now. Recently, Topuria, the former featherweight champion, confirmed that his pursuit of the lightweight title could become a reality at UFC 317 during International Fight Week. If that doesn’t materialize, Charles Oliveira will certainly face him at International Fight Week.
Dana White Confirms Ilia Topuria’s UFC 317 Opponent
It finally looks like everyone is on the same page. UFC CEO Dana White has officially said yes to Ilia Topuria fighting at UFC 317.
On Thursday, Topuria made an appearance on the Spanish TV show El Hormiguero. There, he confidently shared his belief that he will fight either Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira next. His strong tone made fans wonder if he knew something others didn’t.
Later that same day, Dana White confirmed it. Topuria is being lined up for a high-stakes lightweight title bout at UFC 317, which takes place on June 28 in Las Vegas. “Yeah, there’s a lot of moving parts right now and yeah, that’s pretty accurate,” White said. But there is a twist.
🚨 Ilia Topuria confirms that he’ll be fighting either Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira at #UFC317 on June 28th
(via. @El_Hormiguero) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/5343ePYEJ3
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 8, 2025
Topuria’s future depends on what happens at UFC 315. Tomorrow night, Makhachev’s close friend Belal Muhammad will defend his welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena. If Maddalena pulls off an upset, Makhachev may move up to 170 pounds to chase him. But if Muhammad wins, Makhachev will likely stay at lightweight and defend his title—possibly against Topuria.
It’s a tough situation, but no matter who Topuria faces, it’s a win-win for him.
But Islam Makhachev Is Strongly Pushing for the Welterweight Title
While many expect Islam Makhachev to face Ilia Topuria, analysts believe he should instead fight Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title.
Muhammad is on an impressive winning streak, and fans believe he could challenge Makhachev with his striking and “Canelo hands.” However, if Jack Della Maddalena wins at UFC 315, the situation could change entirely.
Despite this uncertainty, UFC analyst Laura Sanko believes Makhachev is open to fighting Muhammad, even if he doesn’t prefer it due to their mutual respect and training history.
“I have a gut feeling that Islam is somewhat open to fighting Belal… Islam wouldn’t prefer it because there is so much mutual respect and time shared and all these things, but it’s kind of like, ‘Yeah, but I also want that second belt, and whoever’s there is there,’” Sanko stated while speaking to Submission Radio.
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