Who Will Ilia Topuria Face at UFC 317 on June 28? The Mysterious Opponent in the Lightweight Title Fight During International Fight Week

Ilia Topuria, the undefeated Georgian-Spanish sensation and reigning UFC Featherweight Champion, is making headlines again—this time for his highly anticipated move to the lightweight division. The long-standing mystery surrounding his next opponent has finally been unraveled: Topuria is officially set to face Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, during International Fight Week in Las Vegas.

This bout marks a pivotal moment in both fighters’ careers. For Topuria, it’s the ultimate test as he seeks to conquer a second weight class and cement his place among the UFC’s all-time greats. For Oliveira, it’s a chance at redemption and another shot at glory after a rollercoaster career at the top. With the stakes sky-high, UFC 317 is poised to be one of the biggest events of the year.

Ilia Topuria’s Dominance at Featherweight

The rise of Ilia Topuria has been nothing short of meteoric. In February 2024, he shocked the world by defeating longtime champion Alexander Volkanovski in dominant fashion to claim the UFC Featherweight Championship. Known for his precise striking, relentless pressure, and elite grappling, Topuria became a breakout star almost overnight.

His undefeated record and charismatic presence earned him fans across the globe. But after dispatching top contenders in the featherweight division, questions began to surface: Would Topuria stay and defend, or chase greater glory in another weight class?

That question was answered when the UFC confirmed his jump to lightweight, bypassing interim contenders and heading straight into the lion’s den—against one of the most decorated finishers in UFC history.

Charles Oliveira: The Submission King Returns to the Spotlight

Charles Oliveira, a former UFC Lightweight Champion, holds the record for the most finishes and submissions in UFC history. After losing the title to Islam Makhachev in October 2022, Oliveira bounced back with impressive performances, including a highlight-reel win over Beneil Dariush.

Injuries briefly stalled his momentum, but the Brazilian has remained in the top echelon of the division. His aggressive style, dangerous jiu-jitsu, and improved striking make him a formidable opponent for anyone, including an undefeated phenom like Topuria.

Now, with UFC 317 approaching, Oliveira has the opportunity to reclaim his status as the king of the 155-pound division. But stopping Topuria’s momentum will be a daunting task.

UFC 317: International Fight Week Gets a Massive Main Event

Held during the UFC’s annual International Fight Week, UFC 317 is more than just another pay-per-view—it’s a celebration of everything the promotion represents. With fan expos, Hall of Fame inductions, and a week-long lineup of events in Las Vegas, the UFC always delivers a stacked card for this occasion.

Dana White’s decision to headline UFC 317 with Topuria vs. Oliveira shows the promotion’s confidence in both men’s star power. It also highlights how much faith the UFC has in Topuria’s ability to transition to lightweight and become a cross-divisional superstar.

In a division historically stacked with talent—names like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, and Dustin Poirier—Topuria’s inclusion in the lightweight title picture speaks volumes.

Tactical Breakdown: Topuria vs. Oliveira

This matchup is more than hype—it’s a stylistic clash that could produce fireworks. Ilia Topuria is a compact powerhouse, known for throwing bombs and quickly closing distance. He’s incredibly efficient, landing strikes with precision and aggression while also boasting a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Charles Oliveira, however, thrives in chaos. His high-paced pressure and slick submission game are designed to lure opponents into vulnerable positions. While Oliveira has shown weaknesses under fire—particularly when absorbing damage early—he’s always dangerous as long as he’s conscious.

The ground game will be key. While both fighters are elite grapplers, Oliveira’s resume is filled with submission victories against top-tier opposition. However, Topuria’s positional awareness and control may neutralize those advantages. The real question is whether Oliveira’s experience and unpredictability will overwhelm Topuria, or if the younger fighter’s precision and athleticism will prevail.

Topuria’s Transition to Lightweight: Risk or Reward?

Many fighters have attempted to jump weight classes. Some succeed spectacularly (think Conor McGregor at UFC 205), while others stumble under the added size and pressure (like Max Holloway against Dustin Poirier).

Topuria walks into the Octagon at UFC 317 carrying high expectations. Fans are eager to see if his power and durability translate to the lightweight division. His strength at featherweight has often overmatched opponents, but Oliveira has been fighting—and finishing—much bigger athletes.

There’s also the mental aspect. Topuria has never lost. Oliveira, on the other hand, has been through the fire, evolved, fallen, and risen again. Will that experience be the deciding factor in a championship bout?

The Bigger Picture: Lightweight Division in Flux

The UFC’s lightweight division is one of the most competitive in the sport. Islam Makhachev remains a dominant champion, and fighters like Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, and Mateusz Gamrot are pushing hard for title contention.

With Topuria entering the mix and Oliveira getting another shot at gold, the division’s landscape could change dramatically by the end of 2025. A Topuria win could set up a blockbuster unification bout with Makhachev, while an Oliveira victory might lead to a long-awaited rematch against the Dagestani champ.

Regardless of the outcome, UFC 317 will have massive implications for the lightweight title picture moving forward.

Fan Reactions and Hype Leading Up to UFC 317

When the UFC officially announced Topuria vs. Oliveira, social media erupted. Fans praised the matchmaking, calling it “a dream fight” and “the most exciting title bout of 2025.” Many believe Topuria is the future of the sport, while others are rooting for Oliveira’s Cinderella comeback.

The UFC has also leaned into the hype, producing behind-the-scenes content, face-offs, and training camp footage in the lead-up to the June 28 showdown. As of early May, tickets for the event have nearly sold out, and pay-per-view projections are trending high.

What Happens If Topuria Wins?

If Ilia Topuria defeats Charles Oliveira and captures the UFC Lightweight Title, he becomes a rare dual-division champion. That achievement alone would put him in the company of legends like Daniel Cormier and Amanda Nunes.

But more importantly, it would elevate Topuria to megastar status. With two titles, an undefeated record, and international appeal, he would become one of the UFC’s biggest global assets. Future super fights—perhaps even against Islam Makhachev or Alexander Volkanovski in a trilogy—would generate massive interest.

There’s also the commercial appeal. Brands, endorsements, and global media would line up for a fighter like Topuria, who embodies youth, dominance, and marketability.

Can Oliveira Pull Off Another Career Revival?

On the other side of the coin, a win for Oliveira would be nothing short of inspirational. At 35 years old, with a rollercoaster career and plenty of battle scars, defeating a fresh, undefeated champion like Topuria would add another chapter to his remarkable legacy.

It would also open doors to big-money rematches—possibly with Islam Makhachev or even a long-awaited clash with Conor McGregor. Oliveira has always been fan-favorite material, and a resurgence now could ensure his name is etched deeper into the annals of UFC history.