On June 29, 2025, the UFC world turns its eyes to Las Vegas as the T-Mobile Arena hosts UFC 317: Topuria vs Oliveira, a high-stakes night that promises to reshape the Lightweight division. The vacant UFC Lightweight (70.3kg) title is up for grabs following Islam Makhachev’s decision to vacate the belt in pursuit of a Welterweight challenge, setting the stage for two former champions to clash in the main event.
Ilia Topuria, the undefeated former Featherweight (65.8kg) champion hailing from Spain and Georgia, brings an impressive 16-0 record into this bout. Known as “El Matador,” Topuria has made a name for himself by knocking out some of the most formidable fighters in Featherweight history, including Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. Both Volkanovski and Holloway suffered their first-ever KO losses at Topuria’s hands, underscoring his knockout power and tactical prowess. Now, Topuria aims to conquer the Lightweight division and become one of the elite few in UFC history to claim titles in multiple weight classes.
Topuria’s ambition is clear: a victory here would crown him the 10th fighter ever to secure championships in two or more UFC weight classes, joining legendary names such as Randy Couture, BJ Penn, Conor McGregor, Georges St-Pierre, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, Henry Cejudo, Jon Jones, and Alex Pereira. His transition to Lightweight follows a brief but dominant reign in Featherweight, relinquished as he set his sights on the vacant title left by Makhachev.
Facing Topuria is Charles Oliveira, the seasoned Brazilian veteran and former UFC Lightweight champion. Oliveira’s journey back to the title is marked by resilience and determination. In 2022, during his second title defense against Justin Gaethje, Oliveira was stripped of his belt after failing to make weight—a setback he publicly contested, citing issues with the scales. Despite this, Oliveira defeated Gaethje and later challenged Makhachev for the vacant title but fell short, making this upcoming fight a crucial opportunity to reclaim his throne.
Oliveira embraces his aggressive, forward-pressing style, famously stating, "Walking in and dominating is my style." He plans to pressure Topuria relentlessly, confident in his ability to handle the younger fighter’s powerful punches. Experts, however, advise caution, noting Topuria’s knockout power and wrestling background could pose significant challenges. Oliveira holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has honed his submission game to a lethal edge, but Topuria’s Greco-Roman wrestling experience from a young age is expected to neutralize many of Oliveira's grappling threats.
The psychological battle between the two is heating up. Oliveira remarked, "Topuria is very young and an undefeated fighter, but he still has much to prove. Like all other fighters until now, he will eventually grovel before me." Topuria fired back with equal confidence: "He may want to, but it's not going to happen. He will be caught in the strategy I've laid out." He added with a bold prediction, "Oliveira wants to win, but that's an extremely hopeful thought. I'm not just going to be champion, I'm going to knock him out in the 1st round." This verbal sparring sets the tone for a fight that promises intensity both inside and outside the Octagon.
Local bookmakers are favoring Topuria heavily, with odds standing at 8 to 2 in his favor. The general consensus is that Oliveira’s aggressive style could leave him vulnerable to Topuria’s devastating punches. However, the unpredictability of Oliveira’s finishing ability means an upset remains a tantalizing possibility, especially considering Topuria has yet to be fully tested in the Lightweight division.
Adding to the excitement of UFC 317 is the co-main event featuring a rematch nine years in the making. UFC Flyweight (56.7kg) champion Alexandre Pantoja of Brazil will defend his title for the fourth time against New Zealand’s Kai Kara-France, ranked number four in the division. Pantoja currently rides a seven-fight winning streak and boasts a well-rounded skill set, with grappling as his primary weapon. He confidently proclaimed, "I will prove that I am the best fighter in the entire UFC." Kara-France, known for his hard-hitting power uncharacteristic of the Flyweight class, vows to make history by finishing Pantoja, stating, "I was a boy 9 years ago, but now I'm a man." The two fighters first met in The Ultimate Fighter Season 24 quarterfinals, where Pantoja won by decision.
Bookmakers are leaning towards Pantoja with odds of 7 to 3, reflecting his dominance and experience. Pantoja’s strategy involves evading Kara-France’s powerful strikes—whom he compares to Mike Tyson—much like Muhammad Ali’s legendary style, and capitalizing with precise counterattacks. Kara-France, on the other hand, believes a single powerful punch could end the fight swiftly, adding a thrilling unpredictability to the bout.
UFC 317’s main card also features other notable matchups including Flyweight contenders Brandon Royval vs. Joshua Van, Lightweight contenders Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano, and Bantamweight fighters Payton Talbott vs. Felipe Lima. The undercard is packed with exciting bouts such as Middleweights Jack Hermansson vs. Gregory Rodrigues, Featherweights Haider Amil vs. Jose Mariscal, Women’s Flyweights Viviane Araujo vs. Tracy Cortez, and Lightweights Terrance McKinney vs. Viacheslav Borshchev. Additionally, UFC Fight Pass will showcase undercard fights from Welterweight, Heavyweight, and Middleweight divisions starting early morning.
Fans can catch the undercard live on TVING starting at 9 AM KST, with the main card airing at 11 AM KST on June 29, 2025. The event promises a night full of high-level mixed martial arts action, with multiple title implications and historic opportunities on the line.
As the countdown to UFC 317 continues, anticipation builds around whether Ilia Topuria will cement his legacy by conquering a second weight class or if Charles Oliveira will reclaim his rightful place atop the Lightweight division. Meanwhile, the Flyweight championship defense adds another layer of intrigue with a rematch that could redefine both fighters’ careers. Whatever the outcomes, UFC 317 is set to deliver unforgettable moments and potentially rewrite the history books.
