Charles Oliveira Challenges Ilia Topuria After UFC 315 Despite Dana White’s Silence

The UFC lightweight division is once again at a turning point, and all eyes are now focused on a possible blockbuster showdown between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria. With UFC 317 scheduled for June 28, 2025, in Las Vegas, speculation is mounting that the highly anticipated bout could headline the event—possibly with interim lightweight gold on the line.

Fueling this speculation was a powerful social media message from Diego Lima, Oliveira’s longtime coach, who made it clear on May 11 that their team is ready. “Dana White, Sean Shelby, Hunter, we are ready and with pen in hand!!!” Lima wrote on Instagram, tagging key UFC matchmakers in what appeared to be a direct call to book Oliveira vs. Topuria.

The Lightweight Division After UFC 315: A Door Opens

Everything began to shift after UFC 315, where Jack Della Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad to capture the welterweight title. This victory could have significant ripple effects across multiple divisions—most notably, the 155-pound landscape.

With Islam Makhachev potentially seeking to move up to welterweight for a champ-champ opportunity, his lightweight title could soon be temporarily vacated or put on hold. This situation creates the perfect opportunity for an interim title fight, and both Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria appear to be at the top of the list.

Charles Oliveira’s Journey Back to the Top

Charles Oliveira, one of the most decorated lightweights in UFC history, has experienced both glory and heartbreak inside the Octagon. After capturing the vacant lightweight title in May 2021 with a stunning comeback knockout of Michael Chandler, Oliveira successfully defended the belt against Dustin Poirier in December of that year.

In May 2022, he defeated Justin Gaethje in spectacular fashion but was controversially stripped of the title after missing weight. His attempt to reclaim the title ended in defeat at UFC 280, where he was submitted by Islam Makhachev.

After a tough loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 in April 2024 in a title eliminator, many questioned if Oliveira’s run at the top was over. But the Brazilian silenced doubters with a fight-of-the-night performance against Michael Chandler at UFC 309, showing he still has the hunger, heart, and skills to compete at the elite level.

Now, with Makhachev possibly vacating or stepping aside, the path back to the title could run through Ilia Topuria.

Ilia Topuria: The Meteoric Rise of a Pound-for-Pound Star

At just 28 years old, Ilia Topuria has already solidified himself as one of the most feared and exciting fighters in the world. After capturing the featherweight title at UFC 298 in February 2024 with a jaw-dropping knockout of Alexander Volkanovski, Topuria wasted no time defending his crown. He faced Max Holloway in October and delivered another stunning KO, cementing his status as a knockout artist with elite striking.

In February 2025, Topuria vacated the featherweight title to pursue lightweight gold, setting his sights on conquering a second division. Since then, he has remained in limbo, waiting for the UFC to announce his next opponent.

Ranked No. 3 in the men’s pound-for-pound rankings, Topuria is a huge draw for fans, especially in Europe and South America. His rapid ascent and fearsome performances have made him a compelling figure in the UFC’s promotional machine.

Oliveira vs. Topuria: Why It Makes Sense for UFC 317

A fight between Oliveira and Topuria is not only logical—it’s promotional gold. Here’s why:

1. Makhachev’s Uncertain Future

Islam Makhachev’s potential move to welterweight to challenge Jack Della Maddalena has left the lightweight division without a clear champion figure for mid-2025. Diego Lima addressed this in a Sherdog interview, criticizing Makhachev’s indecision:
“One day he wants to go up, another day he wants Topuria, another day Gaethje. That’s not good for the sport. But we are doing our part getting ready for the UFC’s call.”

With Makhachev’s plans unclear, an interim title is the perfect tool to maintain the momentum of the lightweight division.

2. Star Power on Both Sides

Both Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria are massive fan favorites with global followings. Oliveira’s record for most finishes in UFC history, combined with his incredible comeback stories, gives him a massive draw. Meanwhile, Topuria has yet to taste defeat and brings a lethal, high-octane fighting style that fans crave.

3. Timing and Narrative

International Fight Week is typically the UFC’s biggest promotional window, and UFC 317 on June 28 lines up perfectly. Oliveira has been vocal about fighting during this time, and Lima reiterated this goal:
“Charles wants to fight for the belt during International Fight Week. No matter if it’s against Topuria or Makhachev.”

Potential Fight Breakdown: Experience vs. Youth, Submission vs. Striking

If booked, this matchup would feature one of the greatest submission artists in UFC history against one of the most dynamic young strikers in the game. Here’s how they stack up:

• Charles Oliveira: 34-10 (1 NC), 21 submissions, 9 knockouts

• Ilia Topuria: 16-0, 8 knockouts, 6 submissions

Oliveira will look to pressure early, overwhelm with volume, and take the fight to the ground where he’s most dangerous. Topuria, meanwhile, has shown incredible takedown defense and explosive counterstriking—he’ll likely aim to keep the fight standing and hunt for a finish.

The X-factor could be Oliveira’s ability to survive and rally. We’ve seen him get hurt, drop, and come back to win—most famously against Chandler and Gaethje. Topuria has yet to be tested deep into fights or by elite grapplers of Oliveira’s caliber.

UFC’s Next Move: Will the Fight Be Announced Soon?

As of now, no official confirmation has come from Dana White or the UFC. But with Diego Lima’s post, Ilia Topuria’s public desire to fight, and the current vacancy of top contenders, all signs point to Oliveira vs. Topuria headlining UFC 317.

It would be a fight that defines the future of the lightweight division—a battle of generations, styles, and legacies. The winner could emerge not only with a title but with the momentum to carry the division into a new era.

Final Thoughts: A Superfight in the Making

If UFC 317 does deliver Charles Oliveira vs. Ilia Topuria, fans will be treated to one of the most exciting lightweight matchups in years. For Oliveira, it’s a shot at redemption and another climb to the top. For Topuria, it’s a chance to stake his claim in a new division and continue his meteoric rise.

Until the UFC makes it official, anticipation will only grow. But one thing is clear: both men are ready, the stakes are massive, and the fans are hungry.