Ilia Topuria is set to make a major statement in his Ilia Topuria UFC lightweight debut at UFC 317, scheduled for June 28, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The former featherweight champion, known for his dominant performances, has moved up to lightweight and will challenge Charles Oliveira for the undisputed title at T-Mobile Arena, signaling a new chapter in his career.
Topuria’s Shift to Lightweight: A Decision Rooted in Strength and Comfort
Topuria surprised the MMA community by vacating his undisputed featherweight title to pursue success in the lightweight division, aiming to claim championship gold in two different weight classes. While some doubted his ability to handle larger opponents in the higher weight category, Topuria views the transition as natural and beneficial for his physical and mental well-being.
He explained that this is the first time he feels completely healthy and at peak performance, without the strain of drastic weight cuts that previously affected him.
“This is the first time that I actually feel like I’m 100 percent, because in the past, I always had to cut the weight,”
Topuria said during an exclusive interview.
He added,
“I always had to suffer mentally (and) physically. This time, I have been able to enjoy the whole process. I feel like I’m at 100 percent. My power is on point. My stamina is on point. Everything is on point. So I feel very, very powerful at this weight class. Of course, the guys are bigger, but I’m bigger also, and I have more power. Everything I have, it’s more in this weight class. Actually, I belong to this weight class naturally.”
Impressive Featherweight Run Sets High Expectations for Lightweight Success
Topuria’s achievements at featherweight were remarkable. After rising to the top of the 145-pound division, he captured the undisputed featherweight title by knocking out the long-reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. He then retained the title with a knockout victory over Max Holloway, delivering the first knockout loss of Holloway’s storied career.
Topuria’s admission that those victories came while managing tough weight cuts only highlights how dominant he was despite those challenges. Now, by fighting at 155 pounds where he feels more powerful and energized, many anticipate even greater achievements in his lightweight journey.
Preparation and Mindset Ahead of UFC 317 Showdown
Topuria’s confidence in his preparation for UFC 317 is clear. He emphasized the ease and enjoyment he has found training for this fight, contrasting it with past camps where weight cutting was a constant struggle.
“It’s so much easier, to be honest,”
he revealed.
“I have been able to enjoy the full training camp, so I’m very happy. I can say for the first time in my career, I’m able to enjoy the whole process.”
He also pointed out the benefits of a less restrictive diet at lightweight, which has contributed to his enhanced strength and stamina.
“To be honest, nothing (much) has changed. The only thing that changed is the diet. I’m able to eat a little bit more, I’m able to drink a little bit more – it’s what makes the difference.”
Topuria’s Form and Speed Are Ready to Challenge the Lightweight Elite
With his improved physique and energy levels, Topuria aims to make a bold impression against Charles Oliveira, a former lightweight champion known for his aggressive style. Topuria sees Oliveira’s forward-pressing approach as favorable for his own quick and powerful striking game.
“They all think that they are going to have some advantage with me in the Octagon with that (extra) five or 10 pounds,”
Topuria warned.
“Listen, they are going to feel what I’m talking about right now. They are going to feel something that they never felt with any other opponents they had in the past.”
He noted that Oliveira’s style is “perfect” for him because it allows Topuria to exploit his speed and power without having to chase his opponent down as he did in fights against Volkanovski and Holloway. Instead, Oliveira’s constant aggression will bring him directly into Topuria’s striking range from the opening bell.
Topuria elaborated,
“If you watch my fights against (Alexander) Volkanovski or Max Holloway, I had to walk forward all the time and close the distance, which I don’t have to deal with against Charles, because he’s going to walk forward and we’re gonna find each other in the center of the Octagon from the first second. So it’s going to be much easier for me, because he’s not going to be able to see me coming. I’m very fast, very powerful for him.”
He predicts a short fight, expecting to finish Oliveira within the first few minutes.
“From the first second, he’s going to feel the speed and the power. He’s going to start to look for the takedowns and for the ground game. But I think that it’s going to be very, very quick, because I’m going to finish him in the in the first two or three minutes.”
Topuria’s Complete Fighting Style Represents MMA’s Future
Beyond physical advantages, Topuria emphasizes his versatility as a fighter, highlighting the evolution of mixed martial arts into a discipline that demands proficiency in all areas of combat—striking, wrestling, and grappling.
“I’m something different,” he declared.
“I always said I represent the new generation of mixed martial arts. What does that mean? That means that if you want to become the best fighter in the world, you have to be a complete fighter. You have to be good in your striking game, with your wrestling and with your ground game.”
He explained the changing landscape of the sport by saying,
“If we go to the past and we look at the fighters and the world champions, you could become a world champion with only two sports. For example, with striking or wrestling, and without a ground game, you could become a world champion. But, right now, at the point that the sport is (at today), it’s basically impossible. You have to be good everywhere. And I’m that kind of guy that brings that new style to the game.”
Facing a Legend: Mutual Respect and Rivalry with Oliveira
While Topuria respects Charles Oliveira’s accomplishments and character, he is fully committed to victory in the Octagon.
“He has done amazing things in the sport. I respect him as a sportsman. As a human being, he seems to be a nice guy. But we are going to fight. And when we are competing with each other, I go all in. Just be careful!”
Topuria recognizes Oliveira as another legendary opponent, joining a trio of iconic fighters he has competed against in recent bouts, including Volkanovski and Holloway. He believes that defeating these top-tier fighters will establish his own legacy in the sport.
“Once you beat legend after legend after legend, you automatically become a legend. So this is what I’m expecting.”
Battling for a Historic Two-Division Championship
Becoming a two–division UFC champion has been Topuria’s long-term dream since childhood, which he fulfilled first by capturing the featherweight championship. Now, he pursues the lightweight belt to cement his place among MMA’s elite.
“My dream, since I was a kid, was to become a world champion, which I was able to achieve when I became the featherweight world champion. Now, after I won that world title, I defended (it). I was like, ‘I need something new.’ I moved up. Now I will become a two-time world champion in the featherweight, then the lightweight division.”
Fight Night Prediction: Early Stoppage Expected
Topuria confidently conveyed his prediction for the fight with simplicity and certainty:
“Jab, jab, one-two, and it’s over!”
This prediction underscores his readiness and belief in the skills and strength he brings to the lightweight division.
Fans can catch all the live action of UFC 317: Topuria vs Oliveira at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025, with preliminaries beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT and the main card airing on pay-per-view starting at 10pm ET/7pm PT.