UFC 317 is set to electrify T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 28, 2025, as part of the UFC’s annual International Fight Week. With two title fights headlining the card and a stacked lineup of bouts, this event promises high-octane action for MMA fans worldwide. From the main event featuring Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title to the co-main event pitting flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja against Kai Kara-France, every fight has the potential to steal the show. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide expert predictions for every fight on the UFC 317 card, analyze key matchups, and discuss why this event is a must-watch. While some fans may search for streaming options like Crackstreams, we’ll focus on the fights themselves and the strategies that could determine victory.
Main Event: Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira (Lightweight Championship)
The main event sees former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria (16-0) move up to lightweight to face former lightweight king Charles Oliveira (34-10) for the vacant 155-pound title. With Islam Makhachev vacating the belt to pursue welterweight gold, this fight will crown a new champion.
Fighter Breakdown
- Ilia Topuria: Undefeated with knockout wins over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, Topuria’s boxing is crisp, and his grappling is underrated. His confidence is sky-high, and at 28, he’s entering his prime. Moving up to lightweight, he’ll face less weight-cutting stress, potentially enhancing his performance.
- Charles Oliveira: Known for his submission prowess, Oliveira holds the UFC record for most submission victories. His striking has improved, but at 35, he’s faced significant wear and tear, with seven career losses, including finishes.
Key Factors
Topuria’s youth, speed, and knockout power give him an edge on the feet. Oliveira’s path to victory lies in dragging the fight to the mat, where his jiu-jitsu could pose problems. However, Topuria’s takedown defense (85% in the UFC) suggests he can keep it standing. Oliveira’s durability is a concern after being finished multiple times, while Topuria has never been close to defeat.
Prediction
Topuria’s boxing precision and power will likely overwhelm Oliveira. Expect Topuria to stuff early takedown attempts and land a devastating combination in the second round, earning a TKO victory and the lightweight title.
Pick: Ilia Topuria via TKO, Round 2
Co-Main Event: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France (Flyweight Championship)
Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja (29-5) defends his title against Kai Kara-France (25-11) in a rematch of their 2016 exhibition bout, which Pantoja won. This co-main event is a clash of styles with championship implications.
Fighter Breakdown
- Alexandre Pantoja: On a seven-fight win streak, Pantoja is a relentless grappler with 10 submission wins. His striking is functional, but his grappling and cardio make him a nightmare in title fights. He’s never been finished in his career.
- Kai Kara-France: A kickboxer with solid power, Kara-France has faced top competition but struggles against grapplers. His takedown defense (65%) will be tested, but his striking could keep Pantoja at bay if he avoids the mat.
Key Factors
Pantoja’s submission game is the X-factor. Kara-France must rely on his footwork and striking to keep the fight standing, but Pantoja’s pressure and chain wrestling could neutralize that. Kara-France’s cardio is strong, but Pantoja’s relentless pace often breaks opponents late.
Prediction
Pantoja will likely secure takedowns early, wearing Kara-France down. In the fourth round, expect Pantoja to lock in a rear-naked choke for a submission victory, cementing his flyweight dominance.
Pick: Alexandre Pantoja via Submission, Round 4
Main Card Fights
Brandon Royval vs. Joshua Van (Flyweight)
This flyweight clash pits former title challenger Brandon Royval (16-7) against rising star Joshua Van (10-2). Both fighters are known for their chaotic, high-paced styles.
- Royval: A submission specialist with wild striking, Royval’s unorthodox approach makes him dangerous. His losses come against elite competition, but his experience gives him an edge.
- Van: Van’s boxing is sharp, and his 80% takedown defense suggests he can keep it standing. However, his relative inexperience against top-tier opponents could be a factor.
Prediction: Royval’s veteran savvy and grappling will overwhelm Van. Expect a back-and-forth fight ending with Royval securing a guillotine choke in the third round.
Pick: Brandon Royval via Submission, Round 3
Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano (Lightweight)
Veteran lightweights Beneil Dariush (22-6-1) and Renato Moicano (20-6-1) collide in a top-10 matchup with title implications.
- Dariush: A well-rounded fighter with strong grappling, Dariush is coming off a loss but has faced elite competition. His durability and experience are key.
- Moicano: Moicano’s jiu-jitsu is world-class, but his striking leaves him vulnerable. His recent loss to Islam Makhachev snapped a four-fight win streak.
Prediction: Dariush’s takedown defense and striking will neutralize Moicano’s grappling. A grinding decision win for Dariush is likely, as he outworks Moicano over three rounds.
Pick: Beneil Dariush via Unanimous Decision
Payton Talbott vs. Felipe Lima (Bantamweight)
Undefeated prospect Payton Talbott (9-0) faces Felipe Lima (13-1) in a bantamweight bout that could produce a future contender.
- Talbott: A dynamic striker with finishing instincts, Talbott’s speed and precision make him a highlight-reel threat. His grappling is untested at this level.
- Lima: Lima’s well-rounded game includes strong wrestling, but his striking is less polished. He’ll look to slow the fight with takedowns.
Prediction: Talbott’s striking will keep Lima at bay, leading to a second-round knockout. Lima’s grappling won’t be enough to counter Talbott’s speed.
Pick: Payton Talbott via KO, Round 2
Preliminary Card Fights
Jack Hermansson vs. Gregory Rodrigues (Middleweight)
Middleweight veterans Jack Hermansson (24-8) and Gregory Rodrigues (16-5) aim to climb the rankings in this intriguing matchup.
- Hermansson: A durable grappler with good cardio, Hermansson struggles against power strikers. His experience could help him control the pace.
- Rodrigues: “Robocop” is a knockout artist with 10 KO/TKO wins. His grappling defense is suspect, but his power is a game-changer.
Prediction: Rodrigues’ striking will overwhelm Hermansson early. A first-round TKO for Rodrigues keeps him on the rise.
Pick: Gregory Rodrigues via TKO, Round 1
Hyder Amil vs. Jose Delgado (Featherweight)
Prospects Hyder Amil (10-0) and Jose Delgado (8-1) meet in a featherweight bout with potential for fireworks.
- Amil: Amil’s aggressive striking and wrestling make him a well-rounded threat. His pressure could overwhelm Delgado.
- Delgado: A striker with decent takedown defense, Delgado needs to keep it standing to have a chance.
Prediction: Amil’s relentless pace and grappling will lead to a decision victory, as he controls Delgado on the mat.
Pick: Hyder Amil via Unanimous Decision
Viviane Araujo vs. Tracy Cortez (Women’s Flyweight)
Veterans Viviane Araujo (12-6) and Tracy Cortez (11-2) clash in a women’s flyweight bout.
- Araujo: A striker with solid grappling, Araujo’s experience against top competition gives her an edge. Her cardio is reliable.
- Cortez: Cortez’s wrestling is her strength, but her striking is developing. She’ll need takedowns to win.
Prediction: Araujo’s striking and takedown defense will frustrate Cortez, leading to a unanimous decision win.
Pick: Viviane Araujo via Unanimous Decision
Terrance McKinney vs. Viacheslav Borshchev (Lightweight)
This lightweight bout features explosive strikers Terrance McKinney (15-7) and Viacheslav Borshchev (7-4).
- McKinney: A finisher with 13 first-round wins, McKinney’s power is undeniable. His cardio is a concern in longer fights.
- Borshchev: A technical kickboxer, Borshchev struggles against wrestlers. He’ll need to keep it standing.
Prediction: McKinney’s early aggression will lead to a first-round knockout, as Borshchev struggles with the pressure.
Pick: Terrance McKinney via KO, Round 1
Sedriques Dumas vs. Jackson McVey (Middleweight)
Middleweights Sedriques Dumas (10-2) and Jackson McVey (10-3) look to make a statement.
- Dumas: A striker with decent wrestling, Dumas is inconsistent but dangerous early. His durability is questionable.
- McVey: A grappler with improving striking, McVey’s cardio gives him an edge in longer fights.
Prediction: McVey’s grappling will control Dumas, leading to a decision win.
Pick: Jackson McVey via Unanimous Decision
Jhonata Diniz vs. Alvin Hines (Heavyweight)
Heavyweights Jhonata Diniz (8-0) and Alvin Hines (3-0) bring knockout power to this prelim bout.
- Diniz: An undefeated striker, Diniz’s kickboxing background makes him a threat. His grappling is untested.
- Hines: A promotional newcomer, Hines has power but lacks experience against top competition.
Prediction: Diniz’s striking will overwhelm Hines, leading to a first-round TKO.
Pick: Jhonata Diniz via TKO, Round 1
Niko Price vs. Jacobe Smith (Welterweight)
Veteran Niko Price (16-7) faces Jacobe Smith (7-0) in a welterweight prelim.
- Price: Known for highlight-reel knockouts, Price’s durability is waning. His experience is his biggest asset.
- Smith: An undefeated prospect, Smith’s athleticism and striking make him dangerous, but this is a step up.
Prediction: Smith’s youth and speed will outpace Price, leading to a second-round knockout.
Pick: Jacobe Smith via KO, Round 2
Why UFC 317 Is a Must-Watch
UFC 317’s combination of title fights, veteran matchups, and rising prospects makes it a cornerstone of International Fight Week. The main event could redefine the lightweight division, while Pantoja’s title defense tests his dominance. Fans seeking streams like Crackstreams should prioritize legal options like ESPN+ to support the sport. With potential upsets and finishes across the card, UFC 317 is poised to deliver unforgettable moments.
Conclusion
Our expert picks favor Ilia Topuria and Alexandre Pantoja to claim victory in the title fights, with several prelims showcasing future stars like Payton Talbott and Jhonata Diniz. Whether you’re a casual fan or a hardcore MMA follower, UFC 317 offers something for everyone. Tune in on June 28, 2025, to witness history in the T-Mobile Arena.
