The prolonged mystery of who the former UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria will take on next has finally been solved. Topuria, who vacated the Featherweight strap and climbed up the weight ladder to enter the Lightweight division, will straightaway contest for the gold. There are chances that the dream match between him and the current champion of the division - Islam Makhachev, who happens to be the Pound For-Pound No.1 fighter as well- will materialise. However, a lot will depend on what transpires at the upcoming pay-per-view show UFC 315.
UFC 315 Headliner Will Decide Ilia Topuria's Opponent
The Welterweight championship bout between Bellal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena will decide who will be Topuria's next opponent. Should Bilal Muhammad retain his title at the UFC 315 headliner fight, then Ilia will take on Makhachev. In case JDM prevails, then Makhachev will relinquish his title and move up the order to challenge the new welterweight king. In the latter case, Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliviera will square off for the vacant UFC Lightweight title. Topuria had confirmed the pathway ahead of the UFC 315 pre-event presser, and UFC CEO Dana White seconded Topuria's claim in the conference.
Upon being asked about whether Topuria's statement has credibility, the UFC boss stated the following.
"Yeah, there are a lot of moving parts right now. Yeah! That's pretty accurate."
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All Eyes on UFC 315
So, that's the equation. The odds are heavily in favour of Belal Muhammad to come out good against Jack Della Maddalena, and hence, a Topuria vs Makhachev battle may take the billboard space. Nevertheless, Maddelana has the tools to down Muhammad. Furthermore, it will be his first shot at the title. Thus, a motivated Maddalena could lay waste to the dream matchup by making his dream come true. The UFC 315 is scheduled to take place this Saturday, May 10, 2025.