Makhachev Vacates | Topuria vs Oliveira for UFC Title
- The UFC lightweight title picture is reshaped as Makhachev moves up,creating an opportunity for Topuria and Oliveira to battle for the vacant championship.
- Ilia Topuria's debut in the UFC lightweight division will be a title fight against Charles Oliveira for the vacant 155-pound championship.
- The title became available after Islam Makhachev, a four-time defending champion, decided to vacate the belt and move up to welterweight.
Ilia Topuria will face Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight title at UFC 317! Islam Makhachev has vacated the belt, paving the way for this high-stakes showdown on June 28 in Las Vegas. Makhachev is moving to welterweight to challenge Jack Della Maddalena. Get the details on this major title fight, including Topuria’s and Oliveira’s paths to this moment, and the co-main event featuring Alexandre Pantoja. Stay informed with News directory 3. Discover what’s next for the UFC!
Topuria to Face Oliveira for Vacant UFC Lightweight Title
Updated may 13,2025
Ilia Topuria’s debut in the UFC lightweight division will be a title fight against Charles Oliveira for the vacant 155-pound championship. The fight is set for UFC 317 on June 28 in Las Vegas, according to UFC CEO dana White.
The title became available after Islam Makhachev, a four-time defending champion, decided to vacate the belt and move up to welterweight. makhachev (27-1) is expected to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for a second title at a later date. ESPN ranks Makhachev as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.
Topuria (16-0), who previously held the 145-pound title, vacated it after one defense to move up in weight.His featherweight title defenses included knockouts against Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway in 2024.
Oliveira (35-10), of Brazil, has been seeking a chance to reclaim the lightweight title since losing it to Makhachev in 2022. He most recently secured a decision win against Michael Chandler in November.
“On June 28, another dream will come true,” Ilia Topuria, via social media said. “I’ll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance… I’m just fighting for my dreams. It’s unfortunate that Makhachev ran away.”
In addition to the lightweight title fight, alexandre Pantoja (29-5) will defend his flyweight title against Kai Kara-France (25-11) in the co-main event at T-Mobile Arena.
What’s next
UFC 317 on June 28 will determine the new lightweight champion as Topuria and Oliveira clash in Las Vegas.