Fans have strong opinions on who Ilia Topuria should fight next, with one potential opponent being significantly more popular than the other.
After giving up his featherweight belt in February, Topuria`s next move is uncertain, specifically regarding a challenge for the lightweight championship. Both Topuria and UFC CEO Dana White have indicated he`s likely headlining UFC 317 on June 28, facing either the current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev or leading contender Charles Oliveira.
This decision is linked to the outcome of UFC 315 this Saturday, where Makhachev`s teammate Belal Muhammad defends his welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena. Should Della Maddalena win, it could potentially open the door for Makhachev to challenge for the welterweight title, leaving Topuria to face Oliveira for the lightweight belt (potentially vacant or interim).
Consequently, the UFC 315 main event now has added significance, although fan opinions are divided on which scenario would be best for the fighters` careers and the sport.
