Dana White Confirms Ilia Topuria Expected to Fight Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 Main Event

Dana White has confirmed that Ilia Topuria is expected to fight either Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. This announcement gives clarity to one of the most anticipated matchups in the lightweight division. Topuria, fresh off impressive performances, now stands on the verge of challenging for UFC gold against two of the most dominant fighters in the division.

Fans have speculated for weeks about who Topuria's next opponent would be, and the official word from UFC leadership has raised the stakes for UFC 317. The card, scheduled for June 28, is gaining attention with this fight expected to be the main event, putting Topuria against the winner between Makhachev and Oliveira.

This booking not only elevates the UFC 317 lineup but also sets the stage for a highly competitive and technical showdown. The MMA community is already buzzing, eager to see whether Topuria can make history against Makhachev's dominance or Oliveira's submission prowess. For more details on the matchup, see the full announcement from Dana White at MMA Fighting: Topuria expected to fight Makhachev or Oliveira at UFC 317.

Dana White Confirms Ilia Topuria's Next UFC Opponent

Dana White has officially stated that Ilia Topuria is expected to face either Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. The decision is influenced by recent developments in the UFC lightweight and featherweight divisions, and the results of upcoming main events.

Background on Ilia Topuria's UFC Rise

Ilia Topuria, widely known as "El Matador," has been on a meteoric rise through the UFC featherweight ranks. After capturing the UFC featherweight title, he has maintained an undefeated record, drawing significant attention within both the featherweight and lightweight divisions.

Topuria's technical striking, explosive power, and relentless pace have set him apart. His performances inside the octagon have made him one of the most watched fighters, with fans and analysts pointing to his adaptability and finishing ability.

The featherweight champion’s trajectory has led to talks of a crossover into lightweight, with Topuria now poised for a potential leap toward a lightweight title shot. This move has been discussed and anticipated since he demonstrated his dominance at 145 pounds.

Potential Matchup With Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, remains a daunting challenge for anyone in the division. Known for his grappling prowess and tactical fight IQ, Makhachev has held the division's top spot since defeating Charles Oliveira and defending against several elite opponents.

A matchup between Topuria and Makhachev would be one of the most intriguing cross-divisional contests in recent UFC history. Topuria's striking against Makhachev's wrestling sets up a classic striker-vs-grappler scenario.

If recent welterweight title fights go a certain way, it's expected Topuria could face Makhachev at UFC 317, according to reports from theScore and Dana White’s public comments.

Charles Oliveira as a Title Contender

Charles Oliveira, a former UFC lightweight champion, remains firmly in the title conversation. He is recognized for his dynamic submission game and knockout power. Oliveira has previously fought and lost his belt to Islam Makhachev but has consistently remained within the top contenders at 155 pounds.

A possible Topuria vs. Oliveira bout at UFC 317 is under discussion if Islam Makhachev is unavailable or moves up in weight. Such a matchup would draw fans eager for high-level, offensively minded action between two finishers.

Oliveira brings a wealth of experience against former champions and rising stars. His stylistic clashes with Topuria—mixing grappling and striking—make this prospective fight a main event attraction.

Key Statements From Dana White

UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Topuria's next opponent would be either Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira, depending on the outcomes of other fights at UFC 315 and subsequent matchmaking discussions. White's remarks were shared across multiple interview platforms, including a segment on El Hormiguero, in which he emphasized the fluidity of UFC matchmaking.

Dana White made clear that both Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira are being seriously considered for UFC 317. He pointed to recent performances and Topuria's undefeated record as key factors in determining his next fight.

For further details about Dana White’s statements and confirmation, see the report from theScore and coverage on MMA Junkie.

Implications for UFC 317 and the Lightweight Division

UFC 317 is set to have a major impact on the lightweight landscape with Ilia Topuria expected to challenge either Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira in the main event. The result will influence the division’s rankings, future title fights, and the broader pound-for-pound debate.

Significance for the Lightweight and Featherweight Titles

The potential move for Ilia Topuria to challenge for the lightweight title at UFC 317 comes shortly after he captured the featherweight belt. If he can win the lightweight title, Topuria joins the short list of fighters to hold belts in two divisions simultaneously, mirroring past achievements by Conor McGregor and Amanda Nunes.

For Islam Makhachev, a successful title defense at UFC 317 cements his dominance in the lightweight division. Charles Oliveira, the other candidate for Topuria’s opponent, would also be looking to reclaim lightweight gold after his previous reign. If Oliveira gets the fight and wins, it would add another chapter to his storied career.

Such high-stakes main events not only shape the legacy of individual fighters but also set a precedent for champions moving between weight classes. This matchup heightens anticipation not only for the title but for possible future rematches down the line.

Impact on Rankings and Pound-For-Pound Standings

The main event at UFC 317 brings immediate implications for the official UFC rankings. If Topuria defeats either Makhachev or Oliveira and claims the lightweight belt, he will likely jump up in the pound-for-pound standings due to holding two titles.

Islam Makhachev currently sits at or near the top of the pound-for-pound discussion. A victory over Topuria, especially after recent successful defenses, further solidifies Makhachev's place as one of the premier fighters in the UFC. Charles Oliveira is also ranked highly, and a win for him would catapult him back into the elite tier.

A double champion at featherweight and lightweight could alter the dynamics of matchmaking across two divisions. This could push other top contenders like Max Holloway or former champions to seek cross-division opportunities.

How UFC 317 Shapes Future Title Fights and Matchups

The lightweight title fight at UFC 317 directly influences future matchups. If Topuria wins, attention shifts to potential defenses against contenders like Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, or a rematch with a former champ. The featherweight title, meanwhile, could potentially be vacated or contested by rising stars if Topuria cannot defend both belts regularly.

For Makhachev or Oliveira, retaining or reclaiming the belt leads to matchups against the current top-ranked lightweights. The outcome could also reignite rivalries or set up blockbuster bouts, especially if Topuria chooses to defend both titles.

The event ties into a broader trend of champions seeking cross-division fights. Outcomes from UFC 317 could influence matchmaking strategies across multiple divisions, including welterweight and middleweight.

Other Notable Fighters at UFC 317

UFC 317 will not be defined by the lightweight main event alone. Belal Muhammad, who won the welterweight title at UFC 315, could be present or involved, especially as matchmaking shifts in the upper weight classes. Jack Della Maddalena remains a rising contender at 170 pounds and may feature on the card.

Elsewhere on the pay-per-view, fans can expect to see high-profile names such as Tom Aspinall in the heavyweight division, potentially setting up a future bout with Jon Jones. Middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev are possible additions to International Fight Week events around UFC 317 in Las Vegas.

Recent injuries will also affect the final card, as the UFC looks to maximize star power and divisional clarity at one of its biggest events of the year. The flyweight champion and other former titleholders may fill key spots, rounding out a lineup designed to draw intrigue from every angle.