At UFC 317, Ilia Topuria captured the vacant lightweight title with a stunning knockout of Charles Oliveira, eliciting an unexpected reaction from former champion Islam Makhachev. Topuria, returning to the lightweight division, secured the belt that Makhachev vacated to pursue the UFC welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena. The fight, hosted in Las Vegas, was highly competitive until Topuria landed a decisive right hand that floored Oliveira, marking one of UFC’s most unforgettable moments.
Topuria now holds two different UFC titles, having previously claimed belts in other weight classes. Makhachev, despite his decision to leave the lightweight division, showed respect for Topuria’s victory by posting an image of Khachapuri, a traditional Georgian dish, on his social media—a nod to Topuria’s Georgian heritage. The two fighters have had a tense rivalry online, with Makhachev demanding Topuria prove he is the top lightweight. Though Topuria has yet to respond to this gesture, his victory brings him closer to possibly facing Makhachev one day, which would be a highly anticipated matchup.
Makhachev hasn’t fought since defending his lightweight title earlier this year and has struggled with his transition to welterweight, leaving open the possibility he might return to 155 pounds. His pursuit of the welterweight title, though ambitious, does not rule out a future superfight with Topuria, particularly if Topuria continues to rise in the rankings.
Fan Take: This development is a game-changer for fight fans as it reignites the lightweight division with fresh rivalry and high stakes. Topuria’s ascent and Makhachev’s welterweight ambitions set the stage for potentially explosive matchups that could redefine the UFC landscape and bring thrilling action to the sport.
