UFC CEO Dana White recently announced a major title fight for UFC 317. Ilia Topuria is set to challenge Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight championship in the main event. This highly anticipated bout will headline the card on June 28 in Las Vegas, coinciding with International Fight Week. The lightweight title became vacant after former champion Islam Makhachev decided to move up to the welterweight division to potentially face its new king, Jack Della Maddalena.
While the date and location for a potential Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev clash remain unconfirmed, White also revealed the co-main event for UFC 317. Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja will defend his belt against Kai Kara-France in a compelling rematch.
Speculation about Topuria receiving a lightweight title opportunity has circulated for months. Known as “El Matador,” he vacated his featherweight title in February, signaling his intent to pursue the lightweight strap against either Islam Makhachev or another top contender. The possibility of Makhachev moving up was a significant topic ahead of UFC 315, as a win by his friend and training partner Belal Muhammad in the welterweight title bout might have complicated the move. However, Jack Della Maddalena`s victory over Muhammad cleared the path for Makhachev to challenge in the welterweight division.
With a perfect record of 16-0, Topuria is aiming to become a rare two-division champion. Since joining the UFC in 2020, “El Matador” rapidly ascended the ranks, defeating notable opponents such as Youssef Zalal, Ryan Hall, Bryce Mitchell, and Josh Emmett on his way to a title shot. He made history at UFC 298 by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski, becoming the first fighter to defeat the long-reigning champion at featherweight. He followed this by making history again in his subsequent title defense against Max Holloway, becoming the first fighter to finish “Blessed” via knockout.
Following the official announcement, Topuria took to social media to comment on the booking and seemingly take a jab at Makhachev:
On June 28, another dream will come true. I’ll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance… I’m just fighting for my dreams. It’s unfortunate that Makhachev ran away. 17-0
Charles Oliveira (35-10, 1 NC) is quite familiar with competing for vacant titles. He first claimed the lightweight belt at UFC 262 by defeating Michael Chandler after Khabib Nurmagomedov`s retirement. Known as “Do Bronx,” he successfully defended the title against Dustin Poirier. However, he was stripped of the championship ahead of his next scheduled defense after missing weight, though he still went on to defeat Justin Gaethje in that bout. Oliveira had another opportunity to reclaim a vacant title at UFC 280 but was defeated by Islam Makhachev.
In the co-main event, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja (29-5) faces Kai Kara-France (25-11, 1 NC). This matchup serves as a rematch, as Pantoja previously defeated “Don`t Blink” during their time on The Ultimate Fighter 24. Since that time, Pantoja has become the undisputed flyweight champion, successfully defending his title twice. Kara-France remains a top contender in the 125-pound division and earned this title shot following a first-round knockout victory over recent title challenger Steve Erceg.
The UFC also released an updated lineup for the UFC 317 event, scheduled to take place at the T-Mobile Arena. The current fight card is listed below, though the official bout order is still pending.
- Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira
- Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France
- Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov
- Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano
- Jhonata Diniz vs. Justin Tafa
- Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape
- Jack Hermansson vs. Gregory Rodrigues
- Viviane Araujo vs. Tracy Cortez
