UFC CEO Dana White and featherweight contender Ilia Topuria appear to be aligned regarding plans for Topuria`s next fight at UFC 317.
Topuria recently stated on the Spanish show El Hormiguero that he anticipates facing either lightweight champion Islam Makhachev or former champion Charles Oliveira in his upcoming bout.
The opponent selection for Topuria seems contingent on the outcome of the UFC 315 main event between welterweight champion Belal Muhammad (a teammate of Makhachev`s) and Jack Della Maddalena. If Della Maddalena is victorious, Makhachev might challenge him at welterweight; otherwise, Makhachev is expected to defend his lightweight title against Topuria, who vacated his featherweight belt to pursue a second divisional title.
During a press conference in Montreal on Thursday, UFC CEO Dana White addressed Topuria`s remarks, confirming that the organization`s plan is indeed for “El Matador” to compete against either Makhachev or Oliveira at UFC 317, scheduled for June 28 in Las Vegas.
White corroborated the plan, stating, “Yeah, there’s a lot of moving parts right now and yeah, that’s pretty accurate.” He offered no further details, leaving uncertainty as to whether a potential Topuria vs. Oliveira clash would be for an interim or vacant lightweight title if Makhachev is unavailable.
Consequently, attention is now focused on Saturday`s Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena fight, as its result will undeniably impact multiple weight classes.
Marcus Blakely