Islam Makhachev 'feels bad' for Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira for UFC 317.
The Main Event of UFC 317 is coming as former champions Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira Vechten for the empty lightweight title of Islam Makhachev on Saturday.
Topuria and Oliveira Headline this year the International Vecht Week of Las Vegas. No matter how big the title fight is between the unbeaten Spanish superstar and the beloved Oliveira, some fans had preferred superfighting such as Topuria vs. Makhachev or Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall instead.
Days Out of this weekend's headliner, Makhachev is quite impressed.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Islam Makhachev says that no one is talking about Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira
Makhachev Krastered a smile on the mention of the 'Big' International Fight Week of this year during an interview with MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn.
It does not seem that Makhachev is being sold completely at the event and some shade throws to Topuria versus Oliveira.
“I just feel bad, man,” said Makhachev about UFC 317.
“Nobody speaks about the International Vechtweek. Nobody speaks about the main event.
“What is this, man? Let's please promote a little. Okay? Work some work,” Makhachev told the reporter.
Islam Makhachev said that I “had to do some work” to build a hype for #ufc317 his
“I feel bad. Nobody speaks about the international fighting week. Nobody speaks about the main event. What is this?” pic.twitter.com/1tcsxafc4m
– Mike Bohn (@mikebohn) 26 June 2025
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Ilia Topuria says that Islam Makhachev does not immediately get title fight with lightweight
While Topuria had focused on fighting Makhachev for the lightweight title, he would not welcome him back to the lightweight division with open arms.
Earlier this year it was announced that Makhachev would move to the Welterweight Division, where he will challenge new champion Jack della Maddalena.
If Topuria get the lightweight title this weekend, the Spaniard was asked if he would give Makhachev the chance to fight him for the lightweight title.
“If he loses, I don't give him anything,” Topuria said about Makhachev in Spanish (via Alvaro Colmenero).
“If he loses, nothing.
“Leave him in line,” Topuria added.
Topuria also excluded title defenses against top candidates Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett, and said they still need a victory for title conflicts.