Ilia Topuria promises to knock out Charles Oliveira in the first round on Saturday night?

LAS VEGAS — As the highly anticipated main event of UFC 317 between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira draws near, one man is noticeably unimpressed: Islam Makhachev, the now-former lightweight champion. While fans gear up for International Fight Week’s marquee matchup, Makhachev has made it clear — he doesn’t believe this fight lives up to the hype.

“I just feel bad, man,” Makhachev told MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn with a grin.
“Nobody speak about International Fight Week. Nobody speak about main event. What is this, man? Please, let’s promote a little bit. Okay? Do some work.”

For a champion who once sat atop the lightweight mountain, Islam Makhachev’s words strike like a cold dose of reality. While the UFC pushes Topuria vs. Oliveira as a major title bout, Makhachev sees it as forgettable, and he’s not afraid to say so.

Makhachev Throws Shade on UFC 317’s Relevance

International Fight Week has long been one of the UFC’s premier moments — a celebration of the sport, filled with stars, fan events, and monumental fights. From Anderson Silva to Conor McGregor, it’s a weekend where UFC legends are born.

But this year, with Ilia Topuria (15-0) and Charles Oliveira (34-10, 1 NC) headlining for the vacant lightweight title, Makhachev believes the UFC isn’t doing enough — and more importantly, that the fight itself isn’t capturing the imagination of fans.

“You ask people on the street about International Fight Week? Nobody even knows there’s a fight,” Makhachev said.
“That says something.”

Topuria Fires Back: “If He Loses, I Don’t Give Him Anything”

While Islam Makhachev gears up for his welterweight debut against new champion Jack Della Maddalena, Ilia Topuria has his sights set on making history in the lightweight division. And if he becomes champion at UFC 317, don’t expect him to open the door for Makhachev’s return anytime soon.

“If he loses, I don’t give him anything,” Topuria said in Spanish, speaking to Alvaro Colmenero.
“He walked away. I’m not going to reward someone who ran.”

The undefeated Topuria, ranked No. 3 pound-for-pound in the UFC, has made it clear that he’s focused on building his own legacy — not entertaining the whims of a champion who stepped away.

This isn’t just about rankings anymore — it’s personal.

A Shift in Power at Lightweight

With Makhachev pursuing glory at welterweight and vacating his lightweight title, UFC 317’s main event is supposed to usher in a new era. Charles Oliveira, the division’s most dangerous finisher, is hungry to reclaim the throne he lost in 2022. Ilia Topuria, meanwhile, is on a quest to become the new face of the division — and possibly the UFC as a whole.

Still, Islam Makhachev’s cold dismissal casts a shadow over the moment. While fans are excited for the bout, the fact that the former champ isn’t even watching — and is publicly laughing at the event’s lack of buzz — shows how much the perception of this title has shifted.

“They’re fighting for my old belt,” Makhachev said in a recent tweet. “But it doesn’t feel like mine anymore.”

Makhachev vs. Topuria: A Dream Delayed?

Let’s not forget — this fight almost happened. Topuria, fresh off demolishing Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, made it clear he wanted to challenge Makhachev for the lightweight crown. But Islam had other plans.

He chose to move up and chase a second belt, hoping to become a two-division champion by defeating Jack Della Maddalena — a rising force in the welterweight division.

Many fans saw the Makhachev vs. Topuria showdown as a potential super-fight, a clash between two tactical masterminds at the peak of their powers. But now, with Islam at welterweight and Topuria rising in lightweight, that collision is on pause — maybe permanently.

And that doesn’t sit well with Ilia.

“He had his chance to defend. He didn’t,” Topuria said. “That means he gave it up. So don’t come asking for anything now.”

Charles Oliveira: The Forgotten Legend?

In the middle of all this banter is Charles Oliveira, who has become something of a secondary storyline despite being one of the most exciting fighters in UFC history. With 21 finishes, the all-time record for submissions, and a resume full of elite wins, Oliveira’s resume is unmatched.

But the Brazilian feels overlooked — not just by Makhachev, but by the UFC marketing machine and even the media.

“People talk about Topuria like he’s the future,” Oliveira said.
“But I’m still here. I’m still hungry. I’m going to take that belt and remind them who I am.”

If Oliveira spoils the party on Saturday, the narrative flips. Suddenly, Makhachev’s remarks sound hollow, and the lightweight division belongs once again to a man he already beat — complicating any future return.

Final Thoughts: More Than a Title on the Line

UFC 317 isn’t just about crowning a new champion — it’s about reclaiming relevance. With Islam Makhachev throwing shade from the sidelines, and Topuria refusing to welcome him back, the division is undergoing a transformation.

If Topuria wins, the era of “El Matador” truly begins. If Oliveira wins, the Brazilian lion returns to the throne and demands respect once more.

And if Islam Makhachev loses at welterweight? The doors to lightweight may be slammed shut for good.