Ilia Topuria is making significant changes as he prepares to challenge for a second divisional UFC title.
The former featherweight champion has reportedly parted ways with his longtime coaches, brothers Jorge and Augustin Climent. This development comes ahead of his vacant lightweight championship bout against Charles Oliveira, scheduled to headline UFC 317 on June 28th in Las Vegas.
Sources indicate that the separation is entirely amicable and stems from logistical considerations, such as conflicting schedules and geographical distance, rather than any negative feelings.
Topuria recently vacated the UFC featherweight title, citing increasingly difficult weight cuts as his reason for moving up to the lightweight division. Initially, he expressed a desire for a championship fight against Islam Makhachev at 155 pounds. However, Makhachev is now planning a move up to welterweight to face Jack Della Maddalena later this year.
With Makhachev vacating the lightweight championship, Topuria and Oliveira are set to compete for the vacant belt. Their fight will serve as the main event for UFC 317, which is part of the UFC’s annual International Fight Week at the T-Mobile Arena.
