Ilia Topuria`s immediate path to securing a championship belt in the lightweight division will not involve challenging the current titleholder, Islam Makhachev.
Following Topuria`s decision to relinquish his featherweight championship this past February, speculation mounted regarding a potential showdown between him and Makhachev, two highly-regarded pound-for-pound fighters, for the 155-pound title. However, circumstances changed dramatically. When Makhachev`s training partner and friend, Belal Muhammad, lost his welterweight title, it opened an opportunity for Makhachev to pursue his own aspirations of becoming a two-division champion.
This alternative path became concrete with UFC CEO Dana White`s recent announcement. Makhachev is now scheduled to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight championship at a date and location yet to be determined. Consequently, Ilia Topuria will instead headline UFC 317 on June 28, where he will face Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title, which has become vacant.
While the confirmed matchups—Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena and Topuria vs. Oliveira—are undoubtedly compelling title contests, some observers question whether the potential dream matchup between Topuria and Makhachev for the lightweight crown represents a missed opportunity for a superfight.
