Ilia Topuria is reportedly set to compete for the lightweight title at UFC 317, regardless of who stands across the Octagon from him, according to MMA journalist Alvaro Colmenero.
It appears that Topuria has secured a shot at the lightweight title, and the scenario could play out in two ways. He either faces Islam Makhachev for the undisputed title, or, if Makhachev moves up and vacates the belt, he fights Charles Oliveira for the vacant title with no interim belt on the line.
Ilia Topuria Set To Challenge for Lightweight Title at UFC 317
Topuria recently vacated his featherweight title and officially moved up a division in pursuit of a second belt. He has been actively demanding a title shot against Makhachev.
However, Makhachev and his team have been dismissive of the matchup, emphasizing that the former featherweight champion needs to prove himself in the new division before earning a crack at the belt.
In a recent update, MMA journalist Alvaro Colmenero reported that Topuria is set to fight for the lightweight title during the UFC’s biggest event of the year International Fight Week at UFC 317 on June 28 at the T-Mobile Arena in Nevada.
The journalist also shared that if Makhachev moves up in weight, “La Leyenda” is likely to face former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. If not, the Spaniard will go head-to-head with the pound-for-pound king.
The UFC has not made any official announcement regarding who will get the title fight, and fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation of the UFC 317 headliner and Topuria’s next opponent.
Currently, the lightweight division is in one of its most exciting phases, with multiple contenders in line for the next title shot. The frontrunners include Topuria, Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Arman Tsarukyan.
Ex-Teammate of Islam Makhachev Says Ilia Topuria Should Prove Himself at 155 To Earn Title Shot
Ex-teammate of Islam Makhachev, Josh Thomson, believes that Ilia Topuria should not receive an immediate title shot, emphasizing that it would be unfair to other contenders in the lightweight division.
Thomson also pointed out that the Dagestani star has already given two title opportunities to Alexander Volkanovski, who was a featherweight champion, allowing him to challenge for the 155-pound belt and even defend it.
“[Makhachev] is having to fight two 145-pounders. To me, it’s not fair. Give him the guys that have not had their opportunities yet in the 155-pound division.” Thomson said on the Weighing In podcast. “Have Ilia Topuria fight one of those 155-pounders. If you fight one guy and beat him at 155 [pounds], then I’m like, ‘Alright.”
Topuria recently revealed on his social media that he has already begun his fight camp, although he has yet to announce his opponent.