UFC 317: Topuria vs. Oliveira Preview

Credit: UFC

International Fight Week is one of the most prestigious events in UFC history, headlined each year by the best of the best. This time, two legends take centre stage: Ilia "El Matador" Topuria and Charles "Do Bronx" Oliveira. They face off for the vacant lightweight belt in what’s expected to be a barnburner. In the co-main event, flyweights Alexander Pantoja and Kai Kara-France fight for the title in an action-packed, fast-paced title bout. The rest of the card is stacked with top fighters from all divisions and rising stars. Don’t miss this event!

Main Event: Ilia Topuria (16-0-0) vs. Charles Oliveira (35-10-0, 1NC)

With champion Islam Makhachev relinquishing his lightweight crown to pursue a welterweight belt, former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira was offered a shot against featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who also vacated his belt for a chance at lightweight gold. Both men are superstars and among the elite. Oliveira holds the UFC record for most submissions, showcasing unparalleled BJJ. He can be knocked down, battered, and bruised, but still find a way to submit his opponent. His relentless forward pressure and grit allow him to stand and bang without taking a step back. Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria is known for his devastating knockout power, coming off a KO win over Max Holloway, who had never been dropped, let alone knocked out, before that fight. Topuria is a relentless pressure fighter with dangerous Jiu-Jitsu, though his slick, beautiful boxing often ends fights before they hit the ground. This fight promises to be a war, and I don’t expect it to go the distance. You truly can’t blink when the bell rings.

Co-Main Event: Alexander Pantoja (29-5-0) vs. Kai Kara-France (25-11-0, 1NC)

The flyweight title is up for grabs in the co-main event. Alexander Pantoja defends his belt against Kai Kara-France. The two fought years ago in the semifinals of The Ultimate Fighter, with Pantoja winning their two-round bout. Both have improved leaps and bounds since then. Kara-France boasts elite striking and incredible takedown defence, while Pantoja, a three-time title defender, is dangerous everywhere with some of the most entertaining scrambles in the sport. Kara-France must avoid the ground like the plague and rely on his elite City Kickboxing striking, which has produced stars like Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker. This matchup is guaranteed to be fast-paced and action-packed.

Main Card: Brandon Royval (17-7-0) vs. Joshua Van (14-2-0)

A short-notice addition to the card, Joshua Van added a highlight-reel knockout to his resume a few weeks ago and steps in as a replacement for Manel Kape. This is a massive jump up the rankings and a tough test for Van. #1-ranked Royval is coming off a win against Tatsuro Taira in their main event. This flyweight bout is a banger, and the winner will likely earn the next title shot.

Main Card: Beneil Dariush (22-6-1) vs. Renato Moicano (20-6-1)

#9 lightweight Beneil Dariush and #10 Renato “Money” Moicano go at it in an exciting lightweight bout. Moicano is always entertaining, and Dariush is just as game. Both men are coming off losses against the division’s elite and are looking to claw their way back into the win column.

Main Card: Payton Talbott (9-1-0) vs. Felipe Lima (14-1-0)

Payton Talbott was the bantamweight division’s hottest prospect until a decision loss in his last fight. With something to prove, he faces a tough comeback fight against Felipe Lima, who has been tearing through the bantamweight division with notable wins. Both men are young and destined for big things in the division.