Ilia Topuria He is a former UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC
Some questions surrounding the mystery surrounding the next opponent of Ilia Topuria and whether he would actually fight at UFC 317 were answered this Thursday (8). The former featherweight champion (up to 65,7kg) gave details of his future in the Ultimate during an appearance on a Spanish TV show at the same time that the organization's president, Dana White, answered journalists at the press conference of UFC 315.
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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 debut at lightweight at UFC 317, on June 28, the main event of '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 at UFC 317, and that everything depends on the outcome of 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 at UFC 317 (Photo: Montage/SUPER LUTAS)
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.
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