UFC 317 arrives in Las Vegas this summer as the centerpiece event of International Fight Week, featuring two high-stakes title bouts. The focus is squarely on the vacant lightweight title fight between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria, a matchup that promises to captivate fans with intense action and championship implications. The Charles Oliveira lightweight title fight carries significant drama as both fighters aim to claim the belt in a division recently vacated by Islam Makhachev.

Topuria enters this bout after relinquishing the featherweight title to pursue his ambition of capturing a second UFC championship in a different weight class. Oliveira, who previously held the lightweight crown, lost his title after missing weight and fell short in a 2022 bid against Makhachev. With Makhachev ascending to welterweight and vacating the belt, the stage is set for a fierce contest to determine the new lightweight king.

Full Fight Card and Betting Odds for UFC 317

The event boasts a strong lineup beyond the main event, including a flyweight title defense by champion Alexandre Pantoja against challenger Kai Kara-France. Pantoja is in excellent form, maintaining a seven-fight winning streak and having defended his title three times.

• Ilia Topuria -420 vs. Charles Oliveira +310, vacant lightweight title
• Alexandre Pantoja (c) -278 vs. Kai Kara-France +210, flyweight title
• Renato Moicano -148 vs. Beneil Dariush +116, lightweights
• Brandon Royval -120 vs. Joshua Van +100, flyweights
• Felipe Lima -180 vs. Payton Talbott +155, bantamweights
• Gregory Rodrigues -186 vs. Jack Hermansson +148, middleweights
• Jose Delgado -167 vs. Hyder Amil +133, featherweights
• Tracy Cortez -240 vs. Viviane Araujo +180, women’s strawweights
• Terrance McKinney -195 vs. Viacheslav Borschev +155, lightweights
• Jhonata Diniz -265 vs. Alvin Hines +200, heavyweights
• Jacobe Smith -1667 vs. Niko Price +950, welterweights

CBS Sports experts have provided their insights and predictions for the main card, evaluating each fight based on recent performances, fighting styles, and potential outcomes.

Expert Insights on the Topuria vs. Oliveira Lightweight Championship

Brian Campbell highlights the tactical contrast between Oliveira’s aggressive, pressure-heavy style and Topuria’s precise, patient boxing skills. Campbell observes that Oliveira’s signature approach of pushing forward with constant pressure suits fighters like Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier, who play into his chaotic striking exchanges. However, Topuria’s superior boxing technique and measured patience give him an edge in landing clean, powerful strikes over the course of the fight. Campbell expects Topuria to solidify himself among the elite, potentially becoming the UFC’s tenth two-division champion.

Brent Brookhouse emphasizes the uncertainty in the fight’s dynamics due to the noticeable size difference and Oliveira’s ability to exploit mistakes. He notes that Oliveira’s wrestling could become a decisive factor if Topuria’s power doesn’t severely challenge Oliveira at lightweight. Despite Topuria’s stellar skills, Brookhouse regards the matchup as closer to even odds than suggested by betting lines.

Shakiel Mahjouri points out Oliveira’s vulnerabilities in striking defense, which align with Topuria’s strengths as a highly skilled MMA boxer with significant power. He references Topuria’s recent knockout of Jai Herbert to demonstrate that his striking potency carries into the lightweight division. Mahjouri also stresses that both fighters have strong submission games, but views Topuria as a formidable fighter unlikely to engage in reckless exchanges that favor Oliveira.

Flyweight Title Clash: Pantoja Defends Against Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja aims to extend his dominant reign as flyweight champion when he faces Kai Kara-France in the co-main event. Brian Campbell highlights Pantoja’s continual improvement as a well-rounded champion who adapts effectively to various fighting styles. Despite Kara-France’s dangerous striking ability, Campbell notes that Pantoja’s 9-0 record in 2024 against top-10 opponents at 125 pounds illustrates his elite form. Kara-France’s prior losses to top competition and a previous defeat to Pantoja in a 2016 exhibition suggest challenges remain for the challenger.

Brent Brookhouse describes Pantoja’s ground control and positional skill as exceptional, predicting that Kara-France will have a difficult time keeping the fight standing for long. Brookhouse believes Pantoja’s takedown game is sufficient to neutralize Kara-France’s striking and expects the champion to secure another successful defense.

Mahjouri warns that Kara-France’s power makes him a real threat in the division but stresses that his takedown defense will be tested severely against Pantoja’s grappling. He predicts that Pantoja’s relentless pace and improving defense will wear down the challenger over time.

Lightweight Crossroads: Moicano vs. Dariush Battle for Division Momentum

The lightweight matchup between Renato Moicano and Beneil Dariush represents a critical juncture for both fighters. Brian Campbell describes it as a tightly contested fight where Dariush’s superior skill and experience may give him an advantage, despite his recent setbacks. Dariush must demonstrate he has moved past two consecutive stoppage losses against elite opponents.

Campbell views Dariush’s grappling and physicality as counters to Moicano’s submission threats, characterizing the fight as a striking contest that could swing either way. The added motivation for Dariush to avoid another loss suggests a highly competitive bout.

Brent Brookhouse calls the fight difficult to predict, acknowledging Moicano’s momentum prior to his last title shot loss and Dariush’s resilience. He considers Dariush the more complete fighter capable of edging the contest.

Significance and Anticipated Impact of UFC 317

UFC 317 holds substantial importance for the lightweight and flyweight divisions, with new champions potentially reshaping the landscape. The lightweight title fight between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria will determine the division’s future direction and whether Topuria can join the exclusive group of two-division UFC champions. Meanwhile, Pantoja’s flyweight title defense may extend his dominance and widen the gap between himself and contenders.

With high-caliber matchups throughout the card, UFC 317 is poised to deliver intense, must-watch action that could reset the balance of power in multiple weight classes. Fans and analysts will closely monitor the outcomes for indications of emerging stars and shifting dynamics across the UFC roster.