Overview
- Ilia Topuria, after vacating his featherweight title, will fight Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight championship at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025.
- Islam Makhachev officially relinquished the lightweight belt to pursue a welterweight title shot, opening the division for new contenders.
- Topuria's rivalry with Paddy Pimblett has reignited, with Pimblett publicly targeting a potential matchup if Topuria secures the lightweight title.
- Experts are debating the fighters' strengths, with Topuria's striking power and Oliveira's submission skills highlighted as key factors in the upcoming fight.
- The UFC's evolving stance on multi-division champions is under scrutiny, as the organization now requires fighters to vacate titles before moving up in weight.