UFC -Superster Ilia Topuria can finally talk about his next fight and it's a big one.
The former UFC champion featherweight took the UFC on their word and left his belt when they promised him an immediate lightweight title shot.
His opponent, long thought as champion Islam Makhachev, will be former champion Charles Oliveira for the empty lightweight title on UFC 317 on 28 June.
Makhachev gave birth to his title on Tuesday on the pursuit of Welterweight Gold against the newly crowned Jack della Maddalena in the weight class above.
Ilia Topuria hints on his long -awaited return and has broken his silence about fighting for a second world title during the International Fight Week of this year.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Ilia Topuria apologizes at Charles Oliveira, says that Islam Makhachev 'has run away' from division
'El Matador', a harsh murderer of fan Foreforites Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, will also put Oliveira and send his greetings to the beloved Brazilian while he is on his way to write history.
“On June 28, another dream will come true,” wrote Topuria on 'X' after the UFC 317 announcement.
“I will be the champion of the lightweight division.
“Charles, my apologies in advance … I just fight for my dreams.”
Topuria would also drop the name of the lightweight champion, which suggests that he left because of his arrival.
“It's a shame that Makhachev ran away,” Topuria said about Makhachev to Welterweight.
A dream will come out on 28 June. I will be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance … I just fight for my dreams. It is a pity that Makhachev ran away. 17-0 🌹 pic.twitter.com/ysuthz4u2h
– Ilia Topuria (@topuriailia) 13 May 2025
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'Don't make it too brutal' … Fans tell Ilia Topuria to take it easy at Charles Oliveira
Although it may not be Makhachev vs. Topuria is, the Main Event of UFC 317 will probably fall as one of the largest lightweight title fights in the UFC history.
The 28-year-old Topuria is undefeated on 16-0 by speed by his side. Two title fights in his career, the knockout artist is already one of the most follow-stars that the sport has ever seen with more than 7 million fans alone on Instagram.
The same applies to Oliveira, the sensational entry artist who is difficult to root because of his long and hard road to UFC Gold in 2021.
Some UFC fans literally beg Topuria to not beat him too badly, on 28 June.
“If you win, don't make it too brutal. Maybe Charles can just submit. Or maybe you can reach an agreement and share the belt?” A fan wrote to Topuria on 'X'.
If you win, don't make it too brutal. Maybe you just need Charles. Or maybe you can reach an agreement and share the belt?
– Polo (@vintage_polo22) 13 May 2025
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“Please don't make it ugly. After all, it is Charles, I know you are also a fan,” wrote another fan.
“Don't make it a brutal man,” said another fan.