Islam Makhachev Vacates Lightweight Title, Topuria vs. Oliveira Set for June 28 in Las Vegas

Islam Makhachev has vacated his UFC lightweight title to pursue a championship at welterweight, setting the stage for a new lightweight champion to be crowned. Makhachev's decision comes after Jack Della Maddalena's victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, which secured Della Maddalena the welterweight title. Makhachev is set to challenge Della Maddalena for the welterweight championship later this year, though a specific date and location have yet to be determined.

In the wake of Makhachev's vacancy, Ilia Topuria will face Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in the main event of UFC 317, scheduled for June 28 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Topuria, who previously vacated the featherweight title to chase lightweight gold, brings an undefeated record into the fight. Oliveira, a former lightweight champion, aims to reclaim the title after a mixed record in his recent fights.

The UFC 317 card will also feature a flyweight title bout between champion Alexandre Pantoja and challenger Kai Kara-France in the co-main event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas during International Fight Week. Additional fights announced for the card include Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov and Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano, rounding out a stacked lineup for the event.