Topuria's message to his next opponent: "I apologize in advance. It's a shame Makhachev got away."

After months of no news, the doubts have been resolved. Ilia Topuria will face Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight title (155 pounds or 70.3 kilos). The fight will take place on June 28 at UFC 317 , as part of International Fight Week. As ABC MMA previously reported, it will not be for an interim title , which comes into play when the champion is injured. The UFC has managed to convince Islam Makhachev to vacate his throne at 155 pounds.

This fight follows Belal Muhammad's loss to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. Had the Palestinian-American remained the welterweight champion (170 pounds or 77.1 kilos), Islam Makhachev would not have moved up to seek his second belt. In that case, Ilia Topuria would have faced the Russian, something that Makhachev's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has confirmed . And although the Russian did not want to relinquish his title, the UFC has made it happen.

With everything in order, UFC President and CEO Dana White has made the announcement official: Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira will be the protagonists of UFC 317. After it was made public, the Spanish-Georgian was quick to make his presence felt on social media, drawing the attention of his rival. “On June 28, another dream will come true. I will be the lightweight champion. Charles, I apologize in advance ... I only fight for my dreams,” he confidently posted on X. Topuria has been using this same strategy of declaring himself the winner before it happens for years, and so far, it has worked for him.

He also remembered Islam Makhachev, a fight that he and all mixed martial arts (MMA) fans were looking for: "It's a shame Makhachev got away ." Although such a fight would have been of a bigger magnitude, the Russian has done the same as Topuria, seeking his double belt. Even so, the fight is only moving away for the moment, as the future is uncertain. If Khabib's disciple doesn't win against Della Maddalena, he could return to lightweight, where Ilia Topuria could be waiting as champion .

Another option that can't be ruled out but is still very much in the future is that both men win their respective fights and Ilia Topuria decides to pursue the Russian at welterweight. This would be historic, as he could become the first three-time champion . Still, it's time to take things one step at a time. The first step is to secure the 155-pound belt against Charles Oliveira, the most dangerous fighter in the UFC . It's not for nothing that he holds the record for the most finishes in history, with 20. Therefore, the main event of UFC 317 will be a true spectacle where Ilia Topuria will look to further his legend.