Ilia Topuria has confirmed that preparations for his next fight are officially underway. The undefeated Spanish-Georgian star last competed at UFC 308. Months later, Topuria vacated the featherweight title and announced his move to lightweight, aiming to immediately challenge Islam Makhachev for the division’s top spot.
Ilia Topuria’s Recent Post Sends Fans Into Frenzy
On Tuesday, Ilia Topuria posted a four-word message on X: “The camp has begun.”
the camp has begun
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) April 22, 2025
The cryptic statement sparked a wave of speculation online, with fans quickly linking it to a long-discussed showdown against reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
“Time to defeat Islam,” one user wrote, while others speculated about alternate opponents and possible outcomes. “Ilia v Charles for the belt,” another added. Some even floated the idea of a vacant title fight, hinting at Makhachev moving to welterweight.
While the UFC has yet to make anything official, Spanish MMA journalist Álvaro Colmenero reported that Topuria will fight at UFC 317 during International Fight Week on June 28, and for a title.
Ariel Helwani further fueled anticipation by stating Topuria’s return has been narrowed down to two opponents, with a championship on the line regardless.
“As discussed on the show today, Ilia is going to fight on June 28. The question is, will it be against Islam for the 155 belt, or will it be against Charles [Oliveira] for the vacant? We should know soon. But he should 100% be on there and he should 100% fight for gold.”
The top two suspects? Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira. Both offer intriguing stylistic matchups and represent elite tests for the 28-year-old. This would mark Topuria’s first fight at lightweight since a second-round KO victory over Jai Herbert in 2022.
Ilia Topuria Opens Up on Retirement Plans
During a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Topuria spoke candidly about his future in MMA, including his eventual retirement. When asked how long he intends to fight, the undefeated contender remained non-committal but hinted at a flexible window.
“Till I enjoy,” he told Rogan. “I don’t know how many fights maybe till 32, 34 [age]… Right now I’m enjoying, I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.”
Topuria also confirmed that his immediate goal is to become the lightweight world champion.
“Right now, I want to become a lightweight world champion, I want to hold that belt too. So, I don’t know what’s going happen then if I’m going to keep motivated.”
Beyond that, his future remains uncertain — and heavily dependent on his motivation levels after reaching that peak.
For now, all signs point toward a summer showdown that could shake up the 155lb division. Whether it’s Makhachev, Oliveira, or a surprise third contender, Ilia Topuria appears locked in and ready to make another statement.