Islam Makhachev Vacates Lightweight Gold as Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira Headlines UFC 317 for Undisputed Title

UFC pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev has vacated his lightweight belt while giving way to Charles Oliveira vs. Ilia Topuria title fight.

Islam Makhachev Vacates Lightweight Gold as Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira Headlines UFC 317 for Undisputed Title

Islam Makhachev has vacated his lightweight title as Dana White announces Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira (via X)

The ongoing lightweight drama in the UFC has finally come to an end, but not how fans had expected it. One of the biggest superfights in recent times between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria is officially not going to happen. UFC CEO Dana White recently announced the news, and also gave an update regarding International Fight Week featuring Charles Oliveira.

The fate of the lightweight division depended on the main event between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. Following JDM’s dominant and convincing title win, Makhachev declared his intention to move up and become a double champion. However, according to White’s latest announcement, there were unexpected changes in those original plans concerning Makhachev’s future.

Current lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev is gonna move up to the welterweight division to face Jack Della Maddalena. UFC 317, International Fight Week, June 28th, Ilia Topuria, undefeated 16-0, he will face former lightweight champion, number two ranked Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title.

Dana White via Instagram 

Oliveira beat Michael Chandler in his last bout and demanded a title shot before considering any other fight or opponent. He agreed to fight Topuria only if the lightweight belt was at stake, which he’s now officially getting as desired. Although fans wanted Topuria versus Makhachev, this new matchup still holds huge excitement and significant implications for everyone.

Topuria vacated his featherweight title earlier this year and refused to face anyone besides Makhachev for the lightweight championship. If Muhammad had won at UFC 315, Makhachev would’ve had no option but to fight the Georgian-Spanish star. Now the situation has changed in favor of the pound-for-pound number one, but it’s cost him his lightweight title.

Makhachev defended the lightweight title four times, more than anyone else in UFC history, proving his dominance and elite skillset. He dismantled every challenger with precision, edging closer to MMA greatness and cementing his place among all-time best fighters. His move to fight Della Maddalena for welterweight gold could boost his legacy, but it also triggered criticism toward the Dagestani.

Islam Makhachev gets heat for vacating the lightweight belt and rejecting Ilia Topuria superfight 

Islam Makhachev initially refused to fight Ilia Topuria, believing the Georgian-Spanish star wouldn’t contribute meaningfully to his growing championship legacy. Makhachev has already fought featherweight legend Alexander Volkanovski twice, defeating him both times and solidifying his position. However, after vacating his lightweight title, Topuria accused the Dagestani of strategically avoiding fighting him.

Islam Makhachev accused of running away from Ilia Topuria
Islam Makhachev accused of running away from Ilia Topuria (via X)

In response, many Makhachev fans defended him by saying Topuria did the same thing when leaving the featherweight division recently. Compared to Makhachev, Topuria only defended his featherweight title once, and was accused of avoiding several top-ranked contenders intentionally. However, according to popular MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, the two situations are entirely different and shouldn’t be compared at all.

Islam not fighting Ilia and choosing to move up and doing so vacates his title is not the same as Ilia moving on from 145 to move up…You cannot compare Diego Lopes or Movsar Evloev to Ilia Topuria. Ilia had those guys waiting in the wings, Islam had Ilia waiting…Islam vs. Ilia is one of the most lucrative fights in the UFC, it is not as big as Islam vs. JDM.

Ariel Helwani via his YouTube channel 

On a similar note, Helwani stated that Makhachev’s lightweight greatness means avoiding Topuria likely won’t damage his legacy significantly. Reports suggest Makhachev will face Jack Della Maddalena later this year in a high-stakes bout. It’ll be interesting to see if Makhachev can extend his 15-fight win streak, the UFC’s second-longest ever recorded.

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