Before Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) vacated his UFC lightweight title, he dismissed ex-featherweight champ Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) as his next title challenger. He wasn't interested in defending his belt against another 145-pounder coming up a weight class after two of his four lightweight title defenses coming over Alexander Volkanovski.

As UFC 317 looms large during International Fight Week on June 28th, one rising star is staying focused—but not silent. With his eyes firmly set on Charles Oliveira and the vacant lightweight title, Ilia Topuria is preparing for the biggest fight of his career.

Topuria vacated the UFC’s 145lb title to challenge Makhachev at 155lb, only for the latter to relinquish his belt and move up to 170lb