Ilia Topuria, once the UFC featherweight champion, is preparing to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 in Las Vegas on June 28, 2025. During a press conference in mid-May 2025, the 28-year-old Georgian-Spaniard asserted he influenced Islam Makhachev’s decision to vacate the 155-pound belt, positioning himself as the division’s new authority.
Topuria spoke firmly about Makhachev’s move to welterweight.
“You know from the beginning, he wanted to give the impression that he had some sort of decision,” he said during a recent press conference. “He also said about a week ago ‘My move up to welterweight isn’t going to matter because I’m not planning on vacating my title.’ You remember that right? And I had said before that, I didn’t move up to lightweight to ask anyone for anything and that I was the one in charge.”
He strengthened his claim with a direct challenge.
“So who got their way, who did what they said? As always, him or me? So after this fight when I have the belt, he can get in line, which is a long one and someone’s eyes will be shining,” Topuria declared, implying Makhachev’s exit proved his dominance.
Social media posts praised Topuria’s assertive stance as confident and impactful.
Topuria on potential fight against Makhachev: “He said he wouldn’t vacate his title and I said he ruled the division and who has gotten away with it? Me. After this fight, when I have the belt, he might get in line, which is a long one, so more than one’s eyes will be shining” pic.twitter.com/rppCH3UdjZ
— Álvaro Colmenero (@KOlmeneroMMA) May 18, 2025
From Featherweight Champion to Lightweight Contender
Ilia Topuria’s combat sports career started in 2015 with a submission win in Spain. He entered the UFC in 2020, building an undefeated 16-0 record. In 2024, he captured the featherweight title by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski and defended it at UFC 308, stopping Max Holloway, a first in Holloway’s career. These victories marked him as a top fighter.
In February 2025, Topuria gave up his 145-pound title to pursue lightweight success, initially targeting Makhachev. When Makhachev chose to fight Jack Della Maddalena at welterweight, Topuria earned a shot at Oliveira. He portrayed Makhachev’s departure as a reaction to his presence, accusing him of dodging a matchup.
Makhachev, with a 27-1 record, defended the lightweight title four times, most recently against Renato Moicano. His decision to vacate, in line with UFC’s plan to keep the division active, prompted Topuria’s criticism. The tension has sparked talk of a future fight, though Makhachev’s welterweight focus delays that possibility. Online discussions highlight Topuria’s bold stance against Oliveira’s grappling skills.
Topuria now prepares for Oliveira, a former champion with strong submissions. His press conference claim that Makhachev must “get in line” has drawn attention. Some view him as the UFC’s next big name, while others await his octagon performance. As UFC 317 approaches, Topuria’s fight with Oliveira and his verbal sparring with Makhachev keep the MMA community focused.
