Ilia Topuria He is a former UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC
Ilia Topuria, confirmed his participation in UFC 317, scheduled for June 28 in Las Vegas (USA), in his debut in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). The announcement was made in a video released by the channel 'Tele Madrid', in which the Georgian fighter thanked the fans for their support and justified his absence from public events due to intense training.
“I would like to thank the community in Madrid and its president. I am very sorry that I cannot be there with you, but I have a lot of preparation ahead of me. I hope to make you all happy again on June 28,” said Topuria.
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The confirmation comes after months of speculation about the future of the athlete, who relinquished his featherweight title in January to move up a weight class. His last title defense was in October 2024, when he knocked out Max Holloway No. UFC 308. Topuria has since lobbied the organization for an immediate shot at the lightweight title, citing a prior agreement with the organization.
Initially, speculation points to a dispute for the linear belt in front of Islam makhachev. If the Russian decides to move up to welterweight (up to 77kg), the path will be clear for other fights, such as Charles of the Bronx e Arman Tsarukyan, as alternatives for a dispute over an interim or vacant belt.
The card takes place during International Fight Week, a traditional UFC event week, and also features the trilogy between Dustin poirier e Max Holloway for the BMF belt. Originally, the main event was to be between Dricus du Plessis e Khamzat Shimaev, but an injury to the middleweight champion postponed the clash.
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