UFC 317: Ilia Topuria – UFC’s Next Star?
- With several of UFC's biggest names either retiring or coming off losses, the promotion is looking for its next generation of crossover stars.
- The 28-year-old will challenge Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 in Las Vegas during International Fight week.The UFC 317 main event could be pivotal...
- Topuria, a Georgian native who is a sports hero in Spain, boasts a 16-0 record.
The UFC landscape is shifting, with the promotion actively searching for its next generation of stars.Ilia Topuria, the undefeated phenom, is set to challenge Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title at UFC 317. A victory for Topuria could signal the dawn of a new era, propelling him to the forefront of the sport and amplifying his crossover appeal. Topuria’s potential future bout against Islam Makhachev is already generating important buzz, hinting at a possible rivalry for the ages. Read more about this match and othre topics at News Directory 3. Discover what’s next in the Octagon.
Topuria vs. Oliveira: UFC 317 Could Launch New Era
Updated June 27, 2025
With several of UFC’s biggest names either retiring or coming off losses, the promotion is looking for its next generation of crossover stars. Conor McGregor, 36, hasn’t fought sence 2021. Jon Jones, 37, recently retired. Dustin Poirier, 36, is planning his retirement fight for July. Even Alex Pereira, 37, is fresh off a title defeat.
Enter Ilia topuria. The 28-year-old will challenge Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 in Las Vegas during International Fight week.The UFC 317 main event could be pivotal for the company’s future.
Topuria, a Georgian native who is a sports hero in Spain, boasts a 16-0 record. Named 2024 fighter of the year, Topuria is coming off knockout wins against Alexander Volkanovski and max Holloway.
Topuria said he initially expected to face Islam makhachev. “I was expecting to fight another guy, which is Islam Makhachev, but, unfortunately, he ran away,” Topuria told ESPN. “He decided to move up to the next weight division, as I did… I’m fighting for gold which was my main goal from the beginning.”
After Topuria vacated his featherweight title, Makhachev also vacated his 155-pound title.Topuria believes a future fight against Makhachev is unavoidable, especially if Makhachev defeats Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title.
“If Islam becomes the welterweight world champion,without a doubt I’m going to push for that shot,also,” Topuria said. “And I will move up to the welterweight division.”
Topuria believes Makhachev’s move to welterweight isn’t about avoiding him. “I would be lying to you if I told you that he’s ducking me,” Topuria told “The Ariel Helwani Show.” “I think he’s tired of the weight cut [and] he needs a new challenge.”
What’s next
A Topuria victory over Oliveira could establish him as the UFC’s next big star, and a potential matchup against Makhachev could become one of the promotion’s biggest rivalries.