Topuria, Oliveira to Fight for Vacant UFC Title

Islam Makhachev has vacated the UFC lightweight title to move up and challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight championship, leading to Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira being slated to fight for the vacant lightweight belt at UFC 317. Topuria criticized Makhachev for hypocrisy, noting that Makhachev previously denied him a lightweight title shot for being 'too small' but is now moving up himself. Makhachev responded by belittling Topuria's accomplishments at lightweight and insisting he must win a fight in the division before earning a title shot. Makhachev's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, defended the decision and compared it to Khabib Nurmagomedov's career moves, while speculation has arisen that Abdelaziz heavily influences his fighters' public statements. The UFC community remains divided, debating whether Makhachev is avoiding Topuria and discussing the legitimacy of Topuria's title opportunity. The outcome of the upcoming Topuria vs. Oliveira fight will determine the new UFC lightweight champion.