Before UFC-315 results, a lot of buzz around the Ilia Topuria next opponent will Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira. But after the outcome of UFC 315, Ilia Topuria next opponent is expected to be Charles Olivera for an interim light weight title fight in UFC 317.
As Islam camp promised before UFC 315, If Belal win and defend his title in WW then Islam and Belal not agree to fight as they’re teammates. But Jack Della Maddalena win over the Belal and become new welterweight champion, Islam Makhachev has the clear path to move welterweight and after the UFC 315 result, Islam immediately tweet and said Its time to become a double champion. But still Dana White doesn’t confirm anything around this scenario.
The champion, Makhachev, denies any intention of vacating his lightweight title.
Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 11, 2025
Let’s go
Ilia Topuria who has the undefeated records in MMA, vacated the featherweight title in February and move up to lightweight division for his next fight, but still his opponent is not announced yet. It’s expected to take place June 28 at UFC 317 during International Fight Week. Islam Makhachev make his mind to move 170lbs welterweight division to challenge JDM and want to become double champ. There is high possibility that Ilia “El Matador” Topuria will fight Charles Olivera in UFC 317. But its still remain to see the fight between Topuria and Oliveira would be interim title or undisputed title as Islam move up to WW.
While Topuria has indicated a willingness to wait for a title shot against Makhachev, the current trajectory points toward a matchup with Oliveira for the interim belt .
After JDM become the champ in WW, Charles Olivera’s manager and head coach shared a post on Instagram said that
“What a night ladies and gentlemen!!!
Dana White, Sean Shelby, Hunter, we are ready with the pen in hand. !!!”
Charles Olivera also ready to accept the fight with Topuria and ready to share the octagon with him.
The fight has not been officially announced, all indications suggest that Topuria vs. Oliveira is set to headline UFC 317 during International Fight Week.
Conclusions:
As Islam moves in 170lbs, there is only one fight make sense for Ilia vs Charles Olivera. MMA fans are eagerly waiting for the official announcement of this fight between former featherweight champion vs former lightweight champion.
FAQs :
Ilia Topuria prepares for the lightweight title fight ?
Yes, Ilia Topuria already said on social media that his camp has begun. Lets see who will be his next opponent.
Can we see Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria in near future ?
Yes, we can. If Islam goes in welterweight and win title over there and become double champ and Ilia win over Charles Olivera and become interim lightweight champion then we will see the double champ Islam vs interim champ Ilia.
Charles Olivera’s rank in lightweight division ?
Charles Oliveira has the 2nd rank after Arman Tsarukyan.
Why Ilia Topuria deserve the light weight title shot ?
Ilia is undefeated in professional MMA, with a perfect record of 15-0. That demonstrates his skill, and dominance. He also knocked out two featherweight legends in spectacular style and has great fan following. He is also known for his elite-level striking and jiu-jitsu skills.