Dana White and Ilia Topuria agree that Topuria will likely fight either Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, depending on the outcome of the UFC 315 main event.
Dana White and Ilia Topuria are aligned on their UFC 317 plans. Topuria recently appeared on the Spanish show El Hormiguero. He shared his hopes of facing either Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira next.
Topuria’s future hinges on UFC 315’s main event. Makhachev’s friend, Belal Muhammad, will defend his welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena. If Della Maddalena wins, Makhachev might move up to 170 pounds. Otherwise, Makhachev is expected to defend against Topuria.
Dana White confirmed at a Montreal press conference that Topuria could fight Makhachev or Oliveira at UFC 317 in Las Vegas on June 28. "Yeah, there’s a lot of moving parts right now and yeah, that’s pretty accurate," White remarked. He didn’t give further details, leaving questions about whether the fight would be for an interim or vacant title.
White and Topuria’s recent statements echo their past comments. In February, White mentioned Makhachev might not be Topuria’s first opponent at 155 pounds. By March, Topuria said the UFC promised him a title fight, though his opponent was uncertain.
The spotlight is on Saturday’s main event. The outcome of Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena could impact multiple divisions.