UFC 317 delivered a thrilling night of mixed martial arts action on June 28, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event was headlined by a highly anticipated lightweight title bout for the vacant belt between undefeated Ilia Topuria and the experienced Charles Oliveira. The co-main event featured a flyweight title defense by champion Alexandre Pantoja against challenger Kai Kara-France. Fans were treated to a stacked card filled with intense matchups and compelling storylines throughout the evening.
Topuria, boasting an unblemished 16-0 professional record, entered the octagon aiming to become just the 10th fighter in UFC history to capture titles in two different weight divisions. Having vacated his featherweight belt after only one defense against Max Holloway, Topuria was chasing lightweight gold, a pursuit complicated by Islam Makhachev’s recent decision to vacate the 155-pound strap to move up a weight class. Oliveira, a seasoned Brazilian submission specialist ranked No. 2 in the lightweight division, sought redemption after losing to Makhachev in their 2022 title fight. This clash was not only a battle for the vacant belt but a defining moment for both fighters’ legacies.
In a hard-fought contest, Ilia Topuria emerged victorious over Charles Oliveira, handing the Brazilian his first professional loss and claiming the lightweight championship. The fight showcased Topuria’s precise striking and durability, as he managed to withstand Oliveira’s grappling prowess. This victory marks a significant milestone for Topuria, who now holds UFC titles in two divisions and appears poised for a generational run in the lightweight ranks.
The co-main event saw Alexandre Pantoja defend his flyweight title against New Zealand’s Kai Kara-France. Pantoja, riding a seven-fight win streak and holding notable victories over Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval, was favored to retain his championship. Kara-France, known for his dynamic striking and strong takedown defense, represented a formidable challenge. Despite Kara-France’s efforts, Pantoja maintained control and successfully defended his belt, further cementing his status as one of the division’s elite fighters.
Other notable bouts on the main card included lightweight contenders Beneil Dariush and Renato Moicano, flyweights Brandon Royval and Joshua Van, and bantamweights Payton Talbott and Felipe Lima. Dariush, aiming to snap a two-fight skid, faced Moicano in a tactical matchup, while Royval and Van battled in a high-paced flyweight contest. Talbott and Lima’s bantamweight bout was a late addition to the card, with Lima seeking his fifteenth straight win and Talbott looking to rebound from his first professional loss.
The preliminary card featured compelling fights such as Jack Hermansson versus Gregory Rodrigues in the middleweight division, featherweights Hyder Amil and Jose Delgado, women’s flyweights Viviane Araujo and Tracy Cortez, and lightweights Terrance McKinney and Viacheslav Borshchev. The early prelims included heavyweight Jhonata Diniz against undefeated newcomer Alvin Hines and welterweights Niko Price and Jacobe Smith, with Smith entering as one of the biggest favorites in UFC history.
The event faced some last-minute changes, including the cancellation of the middleweight bout between Christopher Ewert and Jackson McVey due to weight cut issues and the replacement of Manel Kape by Joshua Van against Brandon Royval after Kape suffered a leg fracture. Additionally, undefeated heavyweight Alvin Hines made his UFC debut, bringing an intriguing dynamic to the heavyweight division.
UFC 317 was broadcast live on ESPN+ pay-per-view in the United States, with varying coverage options internationally, including TNT Sports in the UK and Main Event on Foxtel in Australia. The event’s prelims and early prelims were available on ESPN+, providing fans with comprehensive coverage of the full fight card.
Betting markets leading up to UFC 317 reflected the competitive nature of the fights. Topuria was favored over Oliveira with odds around -425, while Pantoja was favored against Kara-France at approximately -250. Jacobe Smith entered as a historic favorite against Niko Price, while other fights presented intriguing value propositions for bettors, including live bets and prop bets on method of victory and round finishes.
Overall, UFC 317 showcased the evolving landscape of the UFC with emerging stars like Ilia Topuria making history and established veterans like Charles Oliveira and Alexandre Pantoja fighting to maintain their elite status. The event underscored the depth and excitement of the lightweight and flyweight divisions, setting the stage for future rivalries and championship pursuits.
As the dust settles on UFC 317, the lightweight division has a new king in Ilia Topuria, while Pantoja’s flyweight reign continues. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these champions defend their titles and what the next chapter holds for the sport’s rising talents and seasoned warriors.
