The UFC landscape shifted in seismic fashion Tuesday night as Islam Makhachev officially vacated his lightweight throne, setting off a ripple effect that immediately reshaped the division and the upcoming fight calendar.
During an unexpected Instagram Live session, UFC CEO Dana White dropped a flurry of high-impact announcements. At the center of it all? Makhachev’s decision to move up in weight and challenge welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena—leaving the lightweight title up for grabs. And just like that, a blockbuster matchup was booked: Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira will headline UFC 317 during International Fight Week.
Makhachev Moves On, But Questions Remain
For a man who had looked close to untouchable at 155 pounds, Islam Makhachev’s move to welterweight raises both excitement and eyebrows. On paper, a bout against the surging Della Maddalena is thrilling. But the timing? Curious.
Coming off dominant wins and a lengthy reign, many expected Makhachev to either rematch Arman Tsarukyan or finally square off with Ilia Topuria—two rising sharks in the waters of lightweight. Instead, he swims to a new ocean.
Topuria didn’t mince words, posting a sharp jab on social media: “He ran.” Whether it’s mind games or genuine frustration, it’s clear the Spaniard isn’t thrilled with Makhachev’s exit.
Topuria vs. Oliveira: Clash of Eras, Clash of Styles
With the belt now vacant, UFC wasted no time in anointing two of the division’s most compelling figures to battle for gold.
On one side, you have Ilia Topuria—the undefeated phenom who recently reigned supreme at featherweight after back-to-back demolitions of Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. This marks his official return to lightweight, a division he last visited with a brutal KO of Jai Herbert.
On the other, Charles Oliveira, the all-action former champion who’s chasing redemption after a tough loss to Tsarukyan at UFC 300. His last outing saw him edge past Michael Chandler in a wild brawl at UFC 309, reminding everyone why he’s still a top-tier finisher.
For all the noise around who deserves this shot—particularly from Team Tsarukyan—it’s hard to argue against the pure entertainment value this matchup promises. Grappling wizardry meets cold-blooded striking. Calm chaos vs. calculated pressure.
Charles Oliveira Reacts: “Kids Screaming, Phones Blowing Up”
When asked about how he found out he’d be fighting for the belt again, Oliveira painted a vivid picture.
“Everyone started yelling, kids screaming, all of that,” he told Brazilian outlet MMAhoje. “Training had just ended… I checked my phone, had tons of messages. I went straight to my manager.”
The Brazilian may have lost two of his last four, but when the UFC needs excitement, they know where to turn. Love him or not, “Do Bronx” is must-see TV.
UFC 317 & Beyond: Stacked Card, Summer Heat
The Topuria-Oliveira title fight headlines a sizzling UFC 317 lineup set for June 28. The co-main event features flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defending against Kai Kara-France, while fan-favorite Paulo Costa takes on Roman Kopylov in a potential banger.
But wait, there’s more.
White also announced that middleweight champ Dricus Du Plessis will defend his belt against the long-avoided Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in Chicago on August 18—a matchup fans and pundits alike have long been salivating over.
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