Overview

• Islam Makhachev has officially vacated the UFC lightweight title to move up to welterweight and challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the 170-pound championship later this year.
• Ilia Topuria, undefeated at 16-0, will face former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant 155-pound title in the main event of UFC 317 on June 28 in Las Vegas.
• Topuria and Makhachev have engaged in a heated exchange on social media, with accusations of avoiding fights fueling their rivalry despite not being scheduled to face each other.
• Makhachev’s manager has hinted at the possibility of a future return to lightweight after his welterweight title pursuit, leaving the door open for a potential clash with Topuria.
• Betting odds favor Topuria over Oliveira for the UFC 317 lightweight title fight, while Makhachev is the early favorite against Della Maddalena in their anticipated welterweight bout.