The UFC lightweight and welterweight divisions are going through a major change. Islam Makhachev has finally made his move to 170lbs, leaving behind his lightweight throne. And guess who is going to fight for the 155lbs title now? You got it right! Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira will fight it out for the vacant championship at UFC 317.
And right after the posters for the matchup went viral, ‘El Matador’ sent forth a few words for his next opponent. Come join us as we go through Topuria’s words for Oliveira in today’s episode of EssentiallySports’ MMA News Roundup. Next, we’ll learn about the Dagestani champion’s plans for the welterweight belt. And finally, we’ll see the status of Patchy Mix’s relationship with the PFL. So without any further ado, let’s get right into it!
Ilia Topuria puts Charles Oliveira on high alert ahead of UFC 317 headliner
Even though Ilia Topuria had repeatedly called out Islam Makhachev for a superfight, the lightweight champion’s move to the welterweight division sent this dream to the trash. Moreover, this was only substantiated with Jack Della Maddalena’s win over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, which we will discuss later in detail.
Needless to say, the Spaniard didn’t really like the Dagestani’s move. He lashed out at Makhachev and even claimed that he ran off in fear. Nevertheless, he wasn’t left without a match. He is going to fight Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 during International Fight Week. And as the hype around the bout started to rise, Topuria sent a warning to ‘Do Bronx’.
‘El Matador’ took to X and shared a poster where he was matched with the former lightweight champion. Therein, he wrote, “On June 28, another dream will come true. I’ll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance… I’m just fighting for my dreams. It’s unfortunate that Makhachev ran away. 17-0 .”
On June 28, another dream will come true. I’ll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance… I’m just fighting for my dreams. It’s unfortunate that Makhachev ran away. 17-0 pic.twitter.com/YSutHz4U2h
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) May 13, 2025
Of course, the world of martial arts has expressed great concern regarding the Brazilian’s stance against Topuria. But what’s going to happen with Makhachev? Let’s take a look at the welterweight realm.
‘Team Khabib’ manager confirms Islam Makhachev will fight for the 170lbs belt
The Dagestani team’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently appeared in an interaction with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn. Therein, the famed reporter asked Abdelaziz regarding the stance that Makhachev had taken in the welterweight division. You see, back when Belal Muhammad was the champion, things were a bit uncertain for Makhachev because of his relationship with the Palestinian. But now, with Jack Della Maddalena on the throne, we might get some action.
The Egyptian said, “If [Islam Makhachev] had to fight Ilia [Topuria], no problem, he would’ve fought Ilia. But when Islam goes out there and finishes Ilia, people are gonna say, ‘he beat a 45-pounder.’ He has nothing to gain. If Belal [Muhammad] won, he would’ve fought Ilia, 100 percent. Islam will fight this year. Regardless if [Jack Della] Maddalena is injured, not injured, or hurt, this is the word that was given to me by Hunter [Campvbell], by Dana [White], by everybody. If Jack is not ready, Islam will fight for the belt. Not the interim belt. For a real UFC belt.”
Islam Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz explains vacating the title before facing Ilia Topuria and a promised title fight at 170.
“If Jack is not ready, Islam will fight for the belt. Not the interim belt. For a real UFC belt.”
(via @MikeBohn) pic.twitter.com/N6kV4pyMZA
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) May 14, 2025
That’s enough about the drama in the UFC. Now, let’s direct our attention to the Professional Fighters League. After Patricio Pitbull and Aaron Pico, the fight promotion has now released another fighter. And that’s none other than Patchy Mix.
PFL bids farewell to Patchy Mix
PFL recently shared an Instagram post, wherein they announced, “Professional Fighters League and Patchy Mix have mutually agreed to not extend his contract. We both decided this is the best course of action for PFL and him. Patchy is a fantastic fighter, and we wish him well. PFL is excited to crown our next 135lb champion in the PFL World Tournament.”
Well, Mix was already frustrated with the level of inactivity he had to go through at PFL. Being in the prime period of his career as one of the best bantamweights in the world, staying out of the cage cost quite a bit. Weighing in on this, Mix said, “(My record is) 20-1 and 15 finishes, and I’ve been shelved. I’ve had one fight in the last 14 months. I do very well with activity, my whole career. This is the longest layoff of my career.” And now, we can hope to see him fight in the Octagon.
PFL announces it will not reach a new contract with Patchy Mix and the sides have parted ways
Full story https://t.co/Lis8q9eyy2 pic.twitter.com/vgizoW0pJU
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) May 14, 2025
What do you think about the fight between Topuria and Oliveira? Do you think Makhachev will be able to win the welterweight belt? Will we get to see Patchy Mix in the UFC? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.
The post MMA News Roundup: Ilia Topuria Warns Charles Oliveira, Ali Abdelaziz Weighs In on Islam’s UFC Champ Status, Patchy Mix Left Hanging appeared first on EssentiallySports.
