Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira will clash for the vacant UFC lightweight championship in the main event of UFC 317 on 28 June, UFC CEO Dana White announced Tuesday.
The bout will headline the promotion’s annual International Fight Week event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The title was left vacant following Islam Makhachev’s decision to move up to welterweight to challenge Jack Della Maddalena, clearing the path for Topuria’s long-anticipated title shot.
Makhachev, who previously defeated Oliveira at UFC 280, confirmed the switch divisions after Della Maddalena captured the belt at UFC 315.
Topuria (16-0), a former featherweight champion, relinquished his 145-pound title earlier this year in anticipation of a move to lightweight.
His undefeated run includes standout wins over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, both of whom he stopped by knockout.
Reacting to the announcement, Topuria stated on social media: "Another dream will come true. It’s unfortunate that Makhachev ran away. 17-0."
On June 28, another dream will come true. I’ll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance… I’m just fighting for my dreams. It’s unfortunate that Makhachev ran away. 17-0 🌹 pic.twitter.com/YSutHz4U2h
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) May 13, 2025
Oliveira (35-10, 1 NC) previously held the lightweight belt after defeating Michael Chandler at UFC 262.
He defended it once before missing weight ahead of UFC 274 and was later defeated by Makhachev in his attempt to reclaim the title.
The Brazilian veteran now returns for another chance to secure UFC gold.
UFC 317’s co-main event will feature flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defending his title against Kai Kara-France, who earned his shot with a first-round knockout win over Steve Erceg.
The pair previously met on The Ultimate Fighter 24, where Pantoja secured a submission victory.
The full UFC 317 card includes:
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Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira
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Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France
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Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov
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Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano
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Jhonata Diniz vs. Justin Tafa
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Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape
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Jack Hermansson vs. Gregory Rodrigues
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Viviane Araujo vs. Tracy Cortez
Final bout order is yet to be confirmed.
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