Things are pretty hyped for the lightweight category because not only has former featherweight champ  Ilia Topuria transferred to this category, but Islam Makhachev has moved up to welterweight. Yes you saw that right! Makahchev and former welterweight champ Belal Muhammad vowed not to fight against each-other but everything changed when Muhammad lost against Jack Della Maddalena in a thrilling bout at UFC 315. Now Makhachev can challenge the new champ while Topuria tries to get hold of the 155lbs belt.

UFC CEO Dana White announced a handful of huge summer UFC bouts, with 2025’s much-awaited International Fight Week main event set for June 29. The bossman revealed UFC 317, which will feature a 155-pound title tilt for the vacant strap, pitting former featherweight champion Topuria against former lightweight champion  Charles Oliveira.

The undefeated 16-0 is going up against Oliveira with 35-10 however this fireworks of a fight has not been appreciated by Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz, who thinks Arman Tsarukyan should have gotten the shot. Nevertheless, Robert Whittaker is excited to see this fight unfold and thinks it will be good for Topuria.

While speaking at Submission Radio , ‘The Reaper’ said, “I am curious like I was curious like anybody else when Topuria vs Makhachev right? Everybody wanted that fight. But I’m just as excited for Topuria versus like Oliveira I think that’ll be such a good gauge as to how Topuria is going to move around in that division. Moving up in the weight division, fighting heavier guys, what he looks like.”

On the other hand, Abdelaziz vouched for Tsarukyan while speaking on the same show. He said, “Charles Oliveira is 2-2 in his last 4 fights. Justin Gaethje is 3-1 in his last 4 fights. Gaethje gave up his title shot, stepped in during International Fight Week against Max Holloway, and KO’d Dustin Poirier. Poirier beat No.12 to get a title shot. During Fight Week, Hooker got injured, and we fought Fiziev for the second time. I think Arman is more deserving than Oliveira. I don’t think Oliveira is the toughest fight for him. I think he walks through Oliveira.”

However, when it came to predicting who would win this fight, the famous MMA manager said that Topuria would knock out Oliveira. Meanwhile, ‘Do Bronx’ has a warning for ‘El Matador’.

Charles Oliveira poses a threat to Topuria ahead of UFC 317

Oliveira is facing a younger and hungrier challenger, but he still left no doubts about his tenacity ahead of this fight against Topuria. In a recent interview with MMA Today, he said, “Honestly, if you say you never get butterflies, you’re lying. It’s a game—you’ve got to be ready for it. We know our weight. It’s not just Brazilians, but thousands of fans worldwide. I’m so grateful. I’m sure the arena in Vegas will be packed with people cheering for me on the 28th. I’ll see you all—my family—that’s what I want. Let’s bring that massive support, have a huge celebration, and leave with the belt around our waists.”

Oliveira is riding high on a win against Michael Chandler, which was a pretty gritty war last November. On the other hand, Topuria vacated his featherweight championship belt to pursue higher goals. Interestingly, Topuria thanked Oliveira for stepping up when Makhachev decided to vacate his belt.

Both the fighters know what being a champ feels like, so who will get another chance to wrap the belt around their torso this time? Share your thoughts in the comments below.