Islam Makhachev has vacated his UFC lightweight title, and Ilia Topuria will now face Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 for the vacant belt during International Fight Week on June 28.
According to MMA Mania, UFC exec Hunter Campbell visited Dagestan to convince Makhachev to move up to 170. Though reluctant, Makhachev eventually agreed, clearing the way for Topuria’s rise.
Now set to fight Jack Della Maddalena later this year, Makhachev faces backlash — with Topuria calling him a coward online. This move has reshaped both divisions and stirred massive fan reactions.
[UPDATE] Islam Makhachev Steps Away: UFC’s Quiet Move That Shook Things Up
In surprising Islam Makhachev news, the reigning lightweight champion has officially vacated his belt.
Insider Umar Nurmagomedov revealed that UFC executive Hunter Campbell made a personal trip to Dagestan. The reason was simple: the UFC wanted Makhachev to move up to welterweight. This opened the door for a new face in the 155-pound division — Ilia Topuria.
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Now confirmed, Topuria will headline UFC 317 against Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title. The event is set for June 28 during International Fight Week.
While Makhachev didn’t prefer the Topuria matchup, he’s now expected to fight 170-pound champ Jack Della Maddalena later this year. It’s one of the biggest pieces of Islam Makhachev news since his championship reign began.
[TRENDING] Topuria Calls Out Islam: “You Run, I Fight”
Topuria didn’t hold back once the title fight was announced. Shortly after the UFC 317 main event was confirmed, Topuria called out Makhachev on social media with a fiery post.
“The difference between you and me is that I am a man and you are a coward. I speak and fight. You talk and hide.”
Read the full post here:
The difference between you and me is that I am a man and you are a coward. I speak and fight. you talk and hide. Run away far, leaving no trace. Ты маленький пацан. https://t.co/kDuhhdIB8t
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) May 15, 2025
This triggered massive buzz online and added fuel to one of the hottest topics in Islam Makhachev news right now.
Although Topuria has yet to fight in the lightweight division officially, his confidence and undefeated record make him a legitimate threat — and someone the UFC clearly wants to build around.
Pankaj Kapoor’s Take: A Smart Move, But Missed Opportunity?
I think this shift makes business sense — but still feels a bit hollow. This Islam Makhachev news gives the UFC an opportunity to build Topuria as the next big thing. He has the personality, the knockout power, and the undefeated record. That’s good for marketing.
But as someone who loves big matchups, I can’t help but feel like fans got robbed of a massive showdown between Islam and Topuria. Both were in camp. Both had momentum. It could’ve been the defining PPV of 2025.
Still, with Islam now chasing history at welterweight and Topuria aiming for lightweight gold, the UFC has two parallel paths that could collide again. Until then, this remains one of the most talked-about pieces of news in recent memory.
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