The shark-infested waters of the lightweight division are becoming murkier as we speak! This in turn has become an increasingly complicated battleground for Dana White & Co., particularly with the recent decision from Ilia Topuria, the soon-to-be-former-featherweight champion, to move up and challenge reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. The head honcho made waves last month by officially confirming ‘La Leyenda’s intentions, but now the big question is: Will Topuria be granted an immediate title shot, or will he need to prove himself against a top contender first?

Though Ilia Topuria still holds the 145lbs strap, he plans to vacate it just before the UFC 314 headliner, where the belt will be contested between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes. However, all eyes are on the 155lbs division, as Makhachev and his team have strongly opposed the Georgian export’s bid for a title shot, instead advocating for a fight with #3-ranked Justin Gaethje. Moreover, former champ Charles Oliveira’s name has also emerged as a potential challenger for the Dagestani’s title.

Recently, Ilia Topuria stirred the pot with a bold statement regarding the “options” presented to him by Dana White & Co. during an interview with Alvaro Colmenero, as reported by Freak MMA on Instagram. He said, “I’m preparing for the Makhachev fight, but he is afraid. The options are Islam or Charles.”

However, despite Topuria’s statement, Charles Oliveira, who was initially open to facing the Spanish-Georgian, last week shifted his stance during his conversation with Colmenero. The Brazilian stated, “I’m looking for a title, and today, that champion is Islam Makhachev. Topuria is a very tough guy, and he deserves all the respect in the world, but right now, I don’t see it as a big fight. If I’m looking for a title.” Oliveira effectively dismissed ‘La Leyenda’s claims, focusing instead on a potential bout with Islam Makhachev.

Now, the decision lies with Dana White and the UFC as the future of Topuria’s fight plans continues to unfold. Moving forward, let’s take a look at the latest developments in ‘La Leyenda’s potential 155-pound showdown.

Dana White and Ilia Topuria dropped a major update

“When we announce it, you won’t believe it. Get ready,” Ilia Topuria wrote on X earlier this month. True to his word, Topuria set MMA fans ablaze with excitement. Why wouldn’t he? ‘La Leyenda’ is carrying the same electrifying momentum that once propelled UFC megastar Conor McGregor during his prime, whose rise to fame in the promotion was legendary.

Fans are firmly behind Topuria, especially after his impressive victories over former 145lbs kingpin Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. But with the question of an immediate title shot after moving up to a new weight class, that’s a different hurdle! Nonetheless, Dana White is well-known for his ability to make business decisions that deliver results, and a potential showdown between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria could rake in substantial revenue from live gates and PPV buys.

Last week, White hinted at big plans for ‘La Leyenda’ during a conversation with TNT Sports, saying, “We are working on a plan for Ilia. We should have some announcement about him. Give us a couple more weeks.”

With that in mind, what do you think lies ahead for Ilia Topuria in the lightweight division? Who would you prefer to see him face next—Islam Makhachev, Charles Oliveira, or someone else? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.