Ilia Topuria’s meteoric rise in the UFC has already placed him among the sport’s elite. Now, with a lightweight title opportunity at UFC 317 against Charles Oliveira, the undefeated Spanish-Georgian fighter is on the verge of something historic.
Having conquered the featherweight division in dominant fashion, Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is no longer chasing victories – he’s chasing legacy. At just 28 years old, he’s positioned to become one of the youngest two-division champions in UFC history. But if his bold vision comes to fruition, he could soon be in a category all his own: the first triple-weight UFC champion.
From “El Matador” to “La Leyenda”
Topuria’s UFC story is one of rapid ascension. After debuting in 2020, he quickly turned heads with a blend of crisp striking and dangerous submission skills. Early finishes over Damon Jackson, Ryan Hall, and Bryce Mitchell showcased his diverse arsenal. But it was his 2024 run that truly solidified his star power:
- February 2024 – UFC 298: Knocked out then-champion Alexander Volkanovski in a stunning upset to capture the featherweight title.
- October 2024 – UFC 308: Defended the belt against former champion Max Holloway, earning a TKO win in another statement performance.
Topuria’s dominance was clear. But behind the scenes, the strain of making the 145-pound limit was becoming increasingly unsustainable. In early 2025, he made the unexpected – but calculated – decision to vacate his featherweight belt in pursuit of a new challenge at lightweight.
“I’m not here just to be a champion,” Topuria said during a media scrum in March. “I want to become a legend – and legends take risks.”
Next Fight Against Charles Oliveira
Topuria’s next chapter unfolds on June 28, 2025, as he headlines UFC 317 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas during International Fight Week. His opponent? None other than Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira – a former lightweight champion with the most submission victories in UFC history.
The 155-pound belt was left vacant following Islam Makhachev’s move to welterweight, and UFC executives wasted no time matching two of the division’s most lethal finishers.
❝ Styles Make Fights ❞
Topuria’s compact power and aggressive pace contrast with Oliveira’s unpredictable striking and world-class jiu-jitsu. The matchup offers a compelling clash of philosophies: calculated pressure vs. chaotic creativity.
The UFC has also confirmed Arman Tsarukyan as the official backup fighter, indicating just how high the stakes are for this main event.
Topuria’s Looking for Triple-Champ Status
While most fighters would be content with pursuing gold in two divisions, Topuria has made it clear – his goals stretch even further. With Makhachev likely targeting the welterweight crown, the idea of a superfight at 170 pounds has moved from fantasy to feasible.
Topuria has openly expressed interest in pursuing the welterweight title if the opportunity arises:
“I’m willing to move to welterweight if that’s what it takes to prove I’m the best in the world,” he told BJPenn.com last week.
Should he defeat Oliveira and Makhachev capture gold at 170 lbs, the UFC would be staring at a dream scenario: a champion vs. champion clash across three divisions.
No fighter in UFC history has achieved what Topuria is attempting – simultaneously holding, or having held, titles in three separate weight classes.
Fans think it’s over-confident
Not everyone is convinced.
Topuria’s rebrand to “La Leyenda” (The Legend) has drawn mixed reactions. Some fans see it as arrogance; others view it as aspirational branding from a fighter who believes in manifesting greatness.
Online chatter was swift, with memes and debate across social media. Yet, if history is any guide, Topuria has a habit of silencing critics – not with words, but with fists.
“People laughed when I said I’d finish Volkanovski,” he reminded reporters earlier this year. “Then I did.”
What This Means for the UFC Landscape?
In a sport often driven by short-term headlines and revolving champions, Ilia Topuria represents a rare convergence of undefeated dominance, mainstream appeal, and historical ambition. His willingness to fight across three divisions breaks from the norm and could reshape how future UFC stars approach their careers.
If Topuria wins at UFC 317, the UFC may soon face a new reality – one where its first legitimate triple-champ contender stands ready to challenge the boundaries of the sport.
Pratiksha
Pratiksha is a writer specializing in WWE and UFC coverage, combining her expertise as a fitness professional with a passion for combat sports journalism. She focuses on delivering accurate, insightful, and timely content that keeps fans updated on the latest events, fighter profiles, and industry news.
