Ilia Topuria has taken a shot at UFC rival, Islam Makhachev, after the latter vacated the Lightweight title, with Dana White announcing Topuria will now fight against Charles Oliveira for the vacant title at UFC 317 in June.
Makhachev has left the Lightweight division following Jack Della Maddalena’s win over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 to become the new welterweight champion, with indications suggesting Makhachev will fight Maddalena next.
Topuria was looking forward to being the next fighter Makhachev battles, but will now have to face-off against Oliveira at UFC 317 instead, leading him to mock Makhachev – on a 15-match winning streak – for running away.
“Another dream will come true. I’ll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance…” Topuria posted on social media after his fight against Oliveira was announced. “I’m just fighting for my dreams. It’s unfortunate that Makhachev ran away.”
Back in January, Topuria had this to say, “Islam, if I want to, I can finish you. If I want to, I can knock you out. I’ll make it look easy. [See] you soon.”