Ever since his UFC debut against Youssef Zalal, Ilia Topuria has shown he’s here to take over the division. He knocked out big names like Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. Later, he gave up his title and moved to the lightweight division, leaving everyone guessing about whom he’ll fight next. Recently, ‘La Leyenda’ made a big announcement about his upcoming fight.
With no title fights yet announced for the June 28 card in Las Vegas, Topuria has confirmed he’s preparing to return that night. While his opponent is still unknown, the former featherweight champion revealed on Telemadrid that he will be part of the International Fight Week card, saying:
“I have my preparations ahead of me. I hope to make you all happy again on June 28th.”
🚨BREAKING🚨
— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) May 2, 2025
Ilia Topuria has announced he 𝙒𝙄𝙇𝙇 𝘽𝙀 𝙁𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙂 at UFC 317 on June 28th.
“I hope to make you all happy again on June 28th.”
All the remains a mystery is the identity of his opponent at International Fight Week.
📹 via @telemadrid pic.twitter.com/DTLy4AcNEV
Topuria has made it clear that he’s only interested in fighting for a title. However, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has turned down the matchup, saying Topuria hasn’t proven himself in the division yet. Meanwhile, the Spanish star recently revealed that he’s already started his training camp, hinting that a big fight could be coming soon.
Ilia Topuria Targeted For UFC 317 Lightweight Title Fight, Islam Makhachev’s Involvement Uncertain
International Fight Week is known for big UFC events, but this year took a hit after the reported cancellation of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev, leaving the status of the fight unclear.
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Still, fans have something to look forward to, as Ilia Topuria is expected to fight at UFC 317, keeping the excitement alive. Topuria also mentioned that he had already started training just ahead of the UFC 317 announcement.
It's undisputed UFC lightweight gold on the line at UFC 317 for Ilia Topuria, regardless of whether Islam Makhachev shows up or not 👀 pic.twitter.com/k0DsxJtIua
— MMA On Point (@OnPointMMA) April 23, 2025
According to Eurosport’s Alvaro Colmenero, the UFC is targeting Topuria for a lightweight title fight at UFC 317. The only unknown is his opponent, as Islam Makhachev doesn’t seem interested, having already beaten two featherweight champs.
The UFC is now pressuring Makhachev to either defend his belt or move up to welterweight. If he vacates, Charles Oliveira is likely to face Topuria for the vacant title. An official announcement is still pending.
Also Read: Belal Muhammad Continues To Deny Potential Matchup Against Islam Makhachev
