Ilia Topuria faces Charles Oliveira for vacant UFC lightweight title
- Ilia Topuria will move up to lightweight to challenge Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight championship.
- Topuria recently vacated his featherweight title and is undefeated, while Oliveira aims for redemption after a mixed recent track record.
- The highly anticipated fight promises to impact the division significantly and could alter the course of both fighters' careers.
In Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 28, 2025, two former champions will meet in the main event of UFC 317 for the vacant UFC lightweight title. Ilia Topuria, a rising star in mixed martial arts with an undefeated record, is moving up from the featherweight division to challenge Charles Oliveira, a former UFC lightweight champion. Topuria, who recently vacated his featherweight title, is eager to secure his second championship in the sport. Oliveira, known for his record-setting finishes and submissions, seeks redemption after a turbulent recent history in the lightweight division, where he lost his title on the scales before regaining a top contender status. With both fighters boasting impressive credentials, this title fight has generated significant attention and anticipation from fans and pundits alike. The fight card also features another title bout between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Kara-France, showcasing the depth of talent in the event. Given the stakes and the fighters' styles, UFC 317 is poised to be a pivotal night in MMA history, with the lightweight title up for grabs in a thrilling encounter.