International Fight Week is always a special time for the UFC, known for delivering top-tier fight cards that thrill fans. However, this year comes with a setback, as Dricus Du Plessis has suffered an injury, leading to the cancellation of his title bout against Khamzat Chimaev.
Despite the disappointment, fans can still look forward to an electrifying showdown, as Ilia Topuria steps in to fight at UFC 317, helping to keep the event alive and exciting.
Topuria made it clear he won’t return to the octagon unless it’s for a title — and it looks like he’s getting his wish. According to Eurosport’s Alvaro Colmenero, the UFC is targeting him for a lightweight title fight at UFC 317 during International Fight Week. The only question now is who he’ll face, as Islam Makhachev reportedly shows little interest, pointing out that he has already beaten two former featherweight champions.
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
Now, the UFC is putting pressure on Makhachev to either defend the lightweight title against Topuria or vacate it and move up to welterweight. If he chooses to move up, Charles Oliveira is expected to step in and face Topuria for the vacant belt. For now, fans will have to wait a little longer, as the UFC has yet to make an official announcement on social media.
Ilia Topuria Announces His Fight Camp Has Begun
Ilia Topuria has officially started his fight camp as he moves to lightweight. After vacating his featherweight title, the UFC promised him a title shot, but Islam Makhachev has shown no interest. Hinting at his next fight, Topuria shared a brief update on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday: “The camp has begun.”
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the camp has begun
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) April 22, 2025
The former featherweight champion delivered some of the best performances in the division, knocking out Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. The big question now is whether the Spanish fighter can replicate that same level of domination in the lightweight division. The answer will come soon enough.
