Since a few months, fans wonder if Ilia Topuria will be in action on UFC 317.
There are currently no title fights announced for the return of the Octagon to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on 28 June.
Because of the current saga between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, in addition to the recent update with regard to the planned time frame of Dricus du Plessis, Topuria was the name that seemed most likely to the International Vechtweek, regardless of the opponent.
Topuria left his featherweight belt to go to the lightweight division earlier this year, but without confirmation of the next step from Islam Makhachev, 'La Leyenda' had previously stated that he would like to wait for a title fight.
The undefeated star has now dropped an important announcement about when it is back in the Octagon, because he is looking forward to having an immediate impact on 155 pounds.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Ilia Topuria confirms that he will fight on UFC 317 on 28 June
Ilia Topuria teased an announcement of Fighting last month after he had suggested on social media that his training camp is already going on.
There has been a lot of speculation about who he could be confronted with, but given the time frame it seemed likely that this would mean that he would compete on the International Fight Week.
Now he has confirmed that UFC 317 on 28 June is the date on which he works that would currently give him 8 weeks to prepare.
As reported by Chisanga Malata, 'La Leyenda' appeared on Telemadrid, where he said the next explanation to solidify what many have been theoretizing for some time.
“I have my preparations for me. I hope to make you all happy again on June 28”
🚨 Breaking🚨
Ilia Topuria has announced that he at UFC 317 on UFC 317 on 28 June.
“I hope to make you all happy again on June 28.”
The only thing that remains a mystery is the identity of his opponent during the International Fight Week.
📹 Via @telemadrid pic.twitter.com/dtly4acnev
– Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) 2 May 2025
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Topuria did not say who will be his opponent and we still do not know whether Islam Makhachev will stay at lightweight or go up a weight class to try to achieve his goal to win another title.
There have been some rumors that the 155-pound champion is waiting until after the main event of UFC 315, where the Welterweight Title will be defended before he took his next step, although this was shot by the Makhachev team.
A recent picture caused further speculation after the Hunter Campbell of the UFC was seen with Khabib Nurmagomedov, which encouraged the question whether their subject of discussion could be the next step of Makhachev.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Whoever fights Ilia Topuria if Islam Makhachev is not his next opponent
In addition to wanting to challenge with Welterweight, there are other reasons why Islam Makhachev would not be interested in fighting Ilia Topuria.
Not only does the lightweight champion already have two victories over Alexander Volkanovski when the champion featherweight moved, Topuria still has to prove itself at 155 pounds.
In the event that Makhachev is not the next one, 'La Leyenda' is likely to be confronted with a top lightweight candidate with people like Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan who all fit the bill.
It is not yet known who will be on the Octagon of the unbeaten star on 28 June and whether there will be a form of UFC Gold on the line, but this update will only make fans more enthusiastic for an official announcement in the coming weeks.