Charles of the Bronx or Islam Makhachev? Ilia Topuria and Dana White reveal details of their UFC 317 opponent

Ilia Topuria He is a former UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Some questions surrounding the mystery surrounding the next opponent of Ilia Topuria and if he would actually fight in the UFC 317 were answered this Thursday (8). The former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) gave details of his future in the Ultimate during his participation in a Spanish TV program at the same time that the organization's president, Dana White, answered journalists at the press conference of UFC 315.

See too

Belal Muhammad breaks it all by revealing his desire to be 'Alex Poatan Jr.'

Jon Jones gives confident answer as he weighs in on viral 100 men vs. 1 gorilla debate

José Aldo promises 'return to his roots' and aggressive style at UFC 315: 'There's no way to stop me'

Since leaving the belt vacant and having already been won by Alexander Volkanovsky to move up to the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg), there were doubts whether Topuria would have an immediate title fight against Islam makhachev, but Charles of the Bronx e Justin gaethje are also in line for a shot at the Russian fighter. With the news that 'El Matador' had started training camp, many were betting that he would make his lightweight debut in UFC 317, on June 28th, the main event of the 'International Fight Week'.

During participation in the program 'The Anthill', the Georgian-Spanish revealed that he could face both Charles of the Bronx as Islam makhachev No. UFC 317, and that everything depends on the outcome of the main fight do UFC 315, between the welterweight champion (up to 77kg.) Belal Muhammad | e Jack Della Maddalena, which takes place this Saturday (10), in Canada.

Charles of the Bronx e Islam makhachev could be Topuria's opponents in UFC 317 (Photo: Montage/SUPER FIGHTS)

PUBLICITY:

Information that was confirmed by Dana White. Journalist Ariel Helwani posted on his 'X' account that the UFC president confirmed that the winner of the main fight of the UFC 315 will determine who Ilia Topuria will face next month.

“Dana White confirms at the 315 press conference that the winner of Belal vs. JDM will determine who Topuria will face on 28/06. Bottom line, if Belal wins: Islam vs. Ilia Topuria. If JDM wins: Topuria x Charles.”, posted Helwani. (see below)

Dana White confirms at the 315 presser that the winner of Belal x JDM will determine who Topuria fights on 6/28.

In short, if Belal wins: Islam x Topuria.

If JDM wins: Topuria x Charles

- Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 8, 2025

Dana did not provide further details, but the scenario points to the following: if Belal loses, Makhachev should move up to welterweight to challenge Della Maddalena; otherwise, the Russian fighter should defend his belt against Topuria. It is not yet known whether a fight between Topuria and Do Bronx would be worth an interim or vacant lightweight title in the absence of the protégé of Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Amidst all this, one thing is certain: the duel between Belal Muhammad | e Jack Della Maddalena has just gained more spotlight.