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Where We Stand: Lightweight Division | July 2025

Ilia Topuria Put Himself In Rare Company As He Captured The Lightweight Title In Style, And The Options For Him Are Abundantly Interesting

A new king ascended the lightweight throne as Ilia Topuria knocked Charles Oliveira out in the first round, becoming the 10th fighter to capture UFC titles in two divisions. The sky is the limit for the undefeated Topuria, who continues to chase Islam Makhachev. While the former champion has his attention fixed on the welterweight title, a long-simmering grudge match could very well be next for “El Madator.”

This is where we stand in the lightweight division:

Ilia Topuria of Spain strikes Charles Oliveira of Brazil in the UFC lightweight championship bout during the UFC 317 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC)
Ilia Topuria of Spain strikes Charles Oliveira of Brazil in the UFC lightweight championship bout during the UFC 317 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.