Dana White’s latest announcements have set the combat sports world ablaze. UFC 317, slated for International Fight Week, promises fireworks with a mix of title bouts, grudge matches, and career-defining opportunities. From a vacant lightweight title clash to a flyweight champion fighting for respect, here’s a breakdown of the marquee matchups and their implications.
UFC 317 Main Event: Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira – A Clash of Styles
The spotlight shines on undefeated featherweight king Ilia Topuria, who moves up to 155 lbs to face former lightweight champion Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira for the vacant title. With Islam Makhachev vacating the belt to chase welterweight glory, this fight is a stylistic dream.
Topuria’s Rise: The Georgian-Spanish phenom brings elite boxing, thunderous power, and a calculated aggression that dismantled Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. Critics question whether his power translates to lightweight, but his KO of Jai Herbert at 155 lbs suggests otherwise.
Oliveira’s Redemption: The Brazilian submission wizard thrives in chaos. Despite recent knockdowns against Gaethje and Poirier, Oliveira’s Muay Thai and BJJ make him a live underdog. Can he survive Topuria’s precision and drag the fight to the mat?
Prediction: Topuria’s boxing and calf-kick strategy could neutralize Oliveira’s movement, leading to a mid-round KO.
Co-Main Event: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France – Flyweight Fireworks
Alexandre Pantoja, the UFC’s “most disrespected champion,” defends his flyweight title against Kai Kara-France in a rematch.
Pantoja’s Quiet Dominance: Despite a 13-fight win streak and wins over Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval, Pantoja remains overlooked. His gritty grappling and cardio could stifle Kara-France’s striking.
Kara-France’s Redemption Arc: The City Kickboxing star’s takedown defense and power (evident in his TKO of Amir Albazi) pose threats. But can he survive Pantoja’s relentless pressure?
Prediction: Pantoja by submission in a late-round scramble.
Middleweight Mayhem: Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov
Paulo Costa returns, desperate to reclaim relevance against surging striker Roman Kopylov.
Costa’s Decline: Once a brawler who traded with Yoel Romero, Costa’s recent “stick-and-move” approach has drawn criticism. His inactivity and cautious style could cost him.
Kopylov’s Momentum: With four straight finishes, Kopylov’s technical striking and killer instinct make him a nightmare for a fading Costa.
Prediction: Kopylov by decision in a striking clinic.
Lightweight Contenders Collide: Benil Dariush vs. Arman Tsarukyan
A pivotal clash at 155 lbs sees Benil Dariush battling Arman Tsarukyan, who steps in on short notice.
Dariush’s Last Stand: Once a dark-horse contender, Dariush’s recent losses to Oliveira and Tsarukyan (in 2023) have him fighting for relevance.
Tsarukyan’s Ascent: The Armenian phenom’s wrestling and improved striking could cement him as the next title challenger.
Prediction: Tsarukyan via unanimous decision.
International Fight Week Undercard Gems
Vanilson vs. Moicano: A striker vs. grappler duel with Moicano’s BJJ tested against Vanilson’s power.
Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape: Flyweight chaos guaranteed as Royval’s scrambles meet Kape’s explosiveness.
Jack Hermansson vs. Gregory Rodrigues: “Robocop” Rodrigues’ power vs. Hermansson’s durability in a middleweight slugfest.
UFC 319 Preview: Chimaev vs. Du Plessis – “Bat Sh*t Crazy”
In Chicago, Hamzat Chimaev finally gets his title shot against middleweight king Dricus Du Plessis.
Chimaev’s Grappling Edge: “Borz” has mauled everyone from Gilbert Burns to Kamaru Usman. If he drags Du Plessis down early, a submission is likely.
Du Plessis’ X-Factor: The South African’s unorthodox striking and granite chin could test Chimaev’s untested gas tank.
Prediction: Chimaev by first-round submission.
Makhachev’s Welterweight Gamble
Islam Makhachev vacates lightweight to challenge Jack Della Maddalena at 170 lbs. While some criticize the UFC for forcing his hand, Makhachev’s wrestling and improved striking could dominate JDM. However, the Aussie’s boxing and takedown defense (honed with Craig Jones) make this a must-watch.
Jones vs. Aspinall: The Heavyweight Saga
Dana White insists Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is imminent. Despite Jones’ cryptic social media antics, this legacy-defining fight could headline UFC 309. Aspinall’s speed and Jones’ IQ would make for a historic clash.
Boxing vs. UFC: Canelo vs. Crawford on September 13
Terence Crawford’s bid to dethrone Canelo Alvarez clashes with UFC’s September PPV. Dana White’s dual-promoter role raises eyebrows, but the boxing superfight’s allure may overshadow MMA’s offerings.
Conclusion
UFC 317 and beyond deliver high-stakes drama, from Topuria’s star-making moment to Chimaev’s title pursuit. While cards may lack depth, the main events promise unforgettable action. As the MMA and boxing worlds collide, fight fans are the ultimate winners.
Stay tuned for updates, and don’t miss our live breakdowns as these events approach!