Topuria to Fight Oliveira at UFC 317 After Makhachev Vacates Title

The UFC lightweight division just got a major shake-up. What was once shaping up to be a rematch between top contenders has now taken an unexpected turn—with the reigning champion stepping aside and a new headline bout stealing the spotlight. Let’s dive into how things unfolded and what’s at stake as the dust settles ahead of UFC 317.

A Sudden Twist: Makhachev Vacates the Lightweight Belt

Islam Makhachev was on top of the world—undefeated since 2015, the dominant champion in one of the UFC’s most stacked divisions, and widely considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters today. So when the news broke that he’d vacated his UFC lightweight title, fans and fighters alike were left stunned.

Why would a fighter at the peak of his career walk away from the title? According to reports, Makhachev is gearing up for a move to the welterweight division. Instead of continuing to cut to 155 pounds, he’s opting to explore new opportunities at 170—likely chasing legacy fights and potentially becoming a two-division champion.

Whatever the reason, Makhachev stepping down leaves a power vacuum in the lightweight hierarchy—and that void will be filled at UFC 317.

Enter Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira

With the title up for grabs, the UFC didn’t waste time setting up an explosive clash. Rising star Ilia Topuria will face off against the seasoned Brazilian veteran Charles Oliveira for the vacant belt.

This is more than just a title fight—it’s a battle of styles, generations, and hunger. Topuria, unbeaten and brimming with confidence, has been on a tear across two weight classes. After dismantling Alexander Volkanovski to claim the featherweight crown earlier this year, he’s now chasing history by attempting to become a two-division champ.

On the other side stands Oliveira—no stranger to gold himself. The former lightweight champion holds the record for the most submissions in UFC history and has finished nearly all his wins inside the Octagon. Coming off a strong performance against Arman Tsarukyan, Oliveira knows another title win would cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats.

What This Means for the Lightweight Division

Make no mistake—this fight changes everything. With Makhachev gone, the division is wide open for a new king. But beyond just crowning a new champ, this matchup sets the tone for the next chapter of lightweight dominance.

The winner of Topuria vs. Oliveira doesn’t just walk away with the belt—they become the face of a division long defined by legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov, BJ Penn, and Conor McGregor.

Here’s what makes this bout exciting for fans:

• Clash of styles: Oliveira’s elite BJJ and creative striking versus Topuria’s explosive power and pressure.
• Legacy implications: A second title for Topuria? Redemption for Oliveira?
• High stakes debut: Topuria’s first UFC fight at lightweight… coming straight for the belt.

Why Topuria vs. Oliveira Is Must-Watch

On paper, this is a classic veteran vs. rising star scenario. But it's so much more than that. Let’s take a closer look at what both fighters bring to the table.

Ilia Topuria: The Undefeated Storm

Topuria’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a flawless 15-0 record and a highlight reel of finishes, he’s already carved out a reputation as one of the most dangerous men in the sport. His confidence isn’t cocky—it’s calculated. After defeating a dominant champion like Volkanovski, Topuria made it clear he’s not here to just compete. He’s here to reign.

Moving up in weight is always a wild card, but if anyone’s built for it, it’s Topuria. His frame is solid, his hands are fast, and he brings knockout power most lightweights can’t match. The big question? How will he handle Oliveira's ground game if the fight goes there?

Charles Oliveira: The Master Technician

If Topuria is the storm, Oliveira is the seasoned sailor who knows how to weather it. With submission wins over names like Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, “Do Bronx” is always dangerous, no matter where the fight goes.

After being briefly dethroned and going through a tough loss to Makhachev in 2022, Oliveira has worked his way back with grit and determination. A win here doesn’t just give him back his belt—it rewrites his comeback story in the most dramatic way possible.

And let’s not forget—Oliveira has fought and finished a who’s-who of UFC stars. Experience counts, and in a high-pressure title fight, that could make all the difference.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Division?

Win or lose, both Topuria and Oliveira will leave UFC 317 with their legacies impacted. But beyond the immediate result, the lightweight division has several intriguing matchups waiting in the wings. Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier remain key players, and a new champion opens the door to fresh rivalries.

Could we see a Topuria vs. Gaethje clash? Or perhaps Oliveira defending his reclaimed crown against a surging contender?

And what about Islam Makhachev? If his leap to welterweight proves successful, and he adds another title to his resume, a return to lightweight could set the stage for an epic super-fight down the road.

Final Thoughts: A New Era Begins at UFC 317

It’s rare to see such a seismic shift in one of the UFC’s marquee divisions. With Makhachev stepping away and a new belt up for grabs, we’re witnessing the start of something entirely new. The old guard is still strong, but the new wave—led by Ilia Topuria—is charging in fast.

UFC 317 isn’t just another pay-per-view. It’s a line in the sand. A declaration that change is coming, and the lightweight division will never be the same again.

So grab your popcorn, fight fans—because Topuria vs. Oliveira is shaping up to be a showdown you won’t want to miss.