Ilia Topuria Throws Shade at Islam Makhachev: ‘Dodging’ to Move Up to Welterweight Before UFC 317 Showdown with Oliveira?

The lightweight throne is up for grabs, and Ilia Topuria is ready to seize it with both fists. The undefeated Spanish-Georgian phenom has not only been handed a golden opportunity to become a two-division champion, but he’s also stirred the pot by calling out Islam Makhachev—the man who vacated the title to pursue glory at welterweight.

At UFC 317 on June 28 in Las Vegas, Topuria will clash with Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight championship, a bout loaded with legacy, power, and high-stakes drama.

Topuria Blasts Makhachev: “He Ran Away”

In the wake of Islam Makhachev relinquishing the 155-pound title, Ilia Topuria didn’t hold back. Speaking with unfiltered candor, Topuria accused the Dagestani champion of dodging a potential showdown.

“It’s unfortunate that Makhachev ran away,” Topuria said, aiming verbal jabs at the now-welterweight contender.
“I’ll be the champion of the lightweight division… Charles, my apologies in advance. I’m just fighting for my dreams.”

The sharp commentary added fuel to an already volatile landscape in the UFC, positioning Topuria as both a rising superstar and a vocal agitator hungry to dominate.

The Road to UFC 317: How We Got Here

Makhachev’s Sudden Exit Opens the Door

When Islam Makhachev vacated the lightweight title earlier this month to chase welterweight gold against Jack Della Maddalena, it sent shockwaves through the MMA world. While some viewed the move as strategic, Topuria framed it as an escape, igniting a war of words.

Charles Oliveira’s Redemption Arc

Charles Oliveira, the former lightweight champion and UFC’s all-time leader in submission victories, now finds himself on the brink of regaining his crown. After a dominant win over Michael Chandler at UFC 309, the Brazilian earned this second shot—and a chance to remind fans why he’s one of the most feared fighters on the roster.

Topuria’s Bold Ascent

Fresh off knocking out Max Holloway in a historic finish—and previously defeating Alexander Volkanovski—Ilia Topuria vacated his featherweight title to pursue greatness at lightweight. Now at 16-0, the fighter nicknamed “El Matador” is aiming to etch his name in the two-division champion pantheon.

Why This Fight Matters: More Than Just Gold

Topuria’s Historic Bid

With a victory over Oliveira, Topuria would become the UFC’s first Spanish champion—a monumental achievement for both his country and the European MMA scene at large. His crossover from 145 to 155 pounds is one of the UFC’s boldest title leaps in years.

Oliveira’s Redemption Story

For Charles Oliveira, this is more than a title opportunity—it’s a chance to reclaim the belt he never technically lost inside the Octagon. A win would make him a two-time UFC lightweight champion, restoring his legacy as one of the best submission artists in MMA history.

Makhachev in the Shadows

Though Makhachev is no longer in the division, Topuria’s jabs imply unfinished business. Should he capture the title, Topuria has already teased the UFC to consider a future superfight—a clash that could define an era if Makhachev decides to return.

“My Apologies, Charles” – A Cold Warning

Topuria’s social media announcement carried a mix of swagger and respect:

“On June 28, another dream will come true… Charles, my apologies in advance.”

It was a confident message that acknowledged Oliveira’s elite status, but made no mistake about the outcome Topuria envisions.

Fight Night Implications: Clash of Styles, War of Wills

UFC 317’s main event will showcase one of the most stylistically intriguing battles in years:

Ilia Topuria’s Power & Precision

• 16-0 record, with 14 finishes.

• Knockouts of Max Holloway and Bryce Mitchell demonstrate his terrifying boxing.

• Elite footwork, counterstriking, and iron-clad takedown defense.

Topuria has proved he doesn’t need volume—he needs one shot. If he lands clean, opponents crumble.

Charles Oliveira’s Submission Mastery

• Holds the UFC record with 16 submission wins.

• Nearly impossible to break mentally—he thrives in chaos.

• Known for surviving knockdowns only to reverse the tide with a choke or armbar.

Oliveira’s biggest weapon may not be physical—it’s his unrelenting will to win, even when on the verge of defeat.

Legacy and the Lightweight Crown

For Topuria:

• A chance to become a double champion within two divisions.

• The first UFC champion from Spain, elevating his international star power.

• The opportunity to call out Makhachev again—and build toward a legacy-defining superfight.

For Oliveira:

• Redemption for his loss to Makhachev.

• A platform to reclaim his legacy as one of the greatest lightweights ever.

• An end to the narrative that he folds under pressure.

What’s Next? UFC Could Be Setting the Stage

If Topuria wins, fans will inevitably clamor for a Topuria vs. Makhachev showdown—lightweight king vs. welterweight invader. Dana White and the UFC may be quietly hoping that scenario unfolds, with Topuria already planting the seeds.

Oliveira, meanwhile, would likely look to unify the division by facing contenders like Arman Tsarukyan or Mateusz Gamrot, if he claims victory.

Final Words from “El Matador”

“I’m not here to play games. I’m here to make history.”

Ilia Topuria’s rise has been anything but quiet—and now, with the lightweight crown on the line and a fiery rivalry bubbling beneath the surface, UFC 317 has become more than a title fight.

It’s a battle of ambition vs. legacy, firepower vs. finesse, and Europe vs. Brazil—with Islam Makhachev’s shadow looming in the backdrop.

On June 28, the lightweight division will have a new king. Whether it’s the unapologetic powerhouse from Spain or the resilient warrior from Brazil, one thing is certain: