Topuria Claims Vacant Lightweight Belt at UFC 317

Ilia Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at 2:27 of Round 1 at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, winning the vacant lightweight championship. The title became available after Islam Makhachev vacated the belt and moved to welterweight.

The vacant belt changes hands

Oliveira was dropped by a right hand as he advanced, and Topuria finished with follow-up strikes. The result made Topuria a two-division champion after his featherweight title reign and left Oliveira short in his bid to regain the lightweight belt.

Makhachev moves to welterweight

Makhachev later challenged Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight championship at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025, and won by unanimous decision. UFC 317 therefore began a new lightweight title chapter while Makhachev pursued a second division.

The vacant title created an immediate opportunity for two former featherweight champions with very different routes through the division. Topuria carried his knockout power up a weight class, while Oliveira brought extensive title-fight experience and a dangerous submission game. Topuria’s early finish prevented the bout from becoming the prolonged grappling contest many expected. Topuria’s win also gave him a championship in a second weight class, following his featherweight title victory over Alexander Volkanovski in 2024.

Related reporting and sources: Dustin Poirier · UFC · Ilia Topuria · UFC · MMA · UFC 317