UFC 317 happens this weekend (Sat., June 21, 2025) inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The pay-per-view (PPV) main event features Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliviera for the vacant Lightweight title. This sees the former UFC Featherweight champ making his much-anticipated Lightweight debut. Hopefully, both make weight.
At least there’s a back-up waiting in the wings in case anyone falls out.
Oliveira will be hoping to spoil Topuria’s attempts to win a second title. If he does, that would add another interesting scene to his forthcoming biopic.
UFC 317’s co-main event is another title fight with Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France. Rounding out the remaining PPV card is Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano, Brandon Royval vs. Joshua Van (not Manel Kape) and Payton Talbott vs. Felipe Lima.
UFC 317’s late “Prelims” are headlined by Jack Hermansson vs. Gregory Rodrigues. That portion of the card also has Hyder Amil vs. Jose Delgado, Terrance McKinney vs. Viacheslav Borshchev and Viviane Araujo vs. Tracy Cortez.
The early “Prelims” feature Jhonata Diniz vs. Alvin Hines, Niko Price vs. Jacobe Smith and Jackson McVey vs. Christopher Ewert (not Sedriques Dumas).
As always, there’s lots to bet on this card and we’ve got odds for all the fights below:
UFC 317 Main Card Money Line Odds
Charles Oliveira will be looking to regain the UFC title at UFC 317. Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC
Ilia Topuria (-455) vs. Charles Oliveira (+350)
The perfect (16-0) Topuriahas looked sensational in UFC, flattening two Featherweight GOATs back-to-back. First, it was Alexander Volkanovski, who he floored with a right hook (see it here). Then it was Max Holloway, who he dropped with a left hook (see it here). The Holloway fight was especially stunning. We’ve never seen Holloway react to punches in the way he did against Topuria. Was that Holloway’s age and mileage creeping up to him? Or, is Topuria really that crisp and powerful of a puncher?
In Oliveira, Topuria has an opponent who is as old and battle worn as Holloway. However, we’ve seen Oliveira hurt a few times over the years — though, not so much during this second (or third?) act of his long and storied career.
Oliveira comes to this fight after a dominating performance over Michael Chandler.
The size difference in this fight will be pretty stark and noticeable. Oliveira is three inches taller than Topuria and he will have a five-inch reach advantage. If Topuria was fighting someone younger and more specialized in striking, that would be a concern. However, I think Topuria’s quickness (both with his feet and his hands) will make up for that reach disadvantage. He moves on his opponents with lightning speed and is able to crack them with short hooks way before they are able to respond with a counter.
I have a sneaking feeling we’re going to see what we’ve seen in the last few fights with Topuria, where he walks Oliveira back to the fence and then unleashes punches that put him down.
However … Oliveira is still very good. And if he manages to clinch Topuria or pull him down, he might get the former Featherweight champion in trouble. Topuria is very good at grappling himself and he has some wicked front chokes. But, this is where Oliveira’s size (and the fact he’s Charles Oliveira) might be significant.
Ultimately, I think Topuria is going to be able to manage the distance well enough to ensure this fight stays standing. And I think Oliveira will be confident enough in his striking to give Topuria a striking match early on and not feel a desperate need to get this down to the ground (that might end up costing him).
During those opening moments on the feet, Oliveira’s defense will be tested. He’s got a career 49 percent defense against significant strikes, which is average. He’s not been that stingy lately, though. Chandler landed 74 percent of his sig. strikes in their fight. In his loss to Arman Tsarukyan, he allowed Tsarukyan to land 59 percent of his sig. strikes. When he lost to Islam Makhachev, Makhachev landed 73 percent of his sig. strikes. Both Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier landed over 60 percent of their sig. strikes on Oliveira in their recent fights, too.
Topuria doesn’t land his sig. strikes with a high degree of accuracy. He was 52 percent against Holloway, 45 percent against Volkanovski and 44 percent against Josh Emmett. But Topuria doesn’t need to land a lot, since he has fight ending power in his hands.
Oliveira’s leaky defense, as of late, paired with the fact that Topuria doesn’t need to land a lot of strikes to finish someone, has me agreeing with Vegas and thinking Topuria is about to become the next fighter to win titles in two divisions.
Vegas are super high on Topuria. Topuria -5.5 is just -370. Topuria to win by KO/TKO/DQ is -175. Topuria to win by KO/TKO/DQ in the first round is still only +225.
All this should be music to Oliveira fans’ ears. If their man plays spoiler on Saturday they might win big. You can get him +5.5 at +250 and +750 for him to win by submission.
The round total for this one reflects who much Vegas believes Topuria is going to finish Oliveira quickly. It’s set at just 1.5 rounds. The over is -145 and the under is +114.
I like the over there, since it was rounds three and two where Topuria won his last two fights. The last time Oliveira was finished in the first round was when he tore his esophagus against Holloway in 2015.
I think Topuria gets the stoppage, but I don’t think it’s happening in the first round.
DraftKings have an interesting same game parlay for this fight. They have Topuria to win by KO/TKO/DQ and under 4.5 rounds for -135. I think that’s a great bet.
I made my own, though, parlaying the Topuria moneyline with over 1.5 rounds. That’s my best bet.
Best bet: Ilia Topuria moneyline & Over 1.5 rounds (+115)
Alexandre Pantoja will probably get a tougher test at UFC 317. Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Alexandre Pantoja (-238) vs. Kai Kara-France (+195)
Any combination of the current Top 4 Flyweights is a tough fight to call. Pantoja, Kara-France, Brandon Royval and Brandon Moreno are all supremely skilled, well-rounded and capable of beating the other on any given night (often by the slimmest of margins).
In this fight we have Pantoja looking to make his fourth title defense. Previously he dominated to underproofed Kai Asakura for a second round submission (see it here). Before that he wrestled his way to a win over Steve Erceg, after being out struck early and often in the bout. Pantoja’s first defense was a split decision over Royval. He won the title with a split decision over Moreno.
Kara-France blitzed his way through Erceg in his last fight, winning by first round TKO (see it here). Before that he lost a split decision to Amir Albazi (which many have called a robbery). And before that he was stopped by a Moreno liver kick (see it here).
Pantoja’s wrestling should make the difference in this fight.
However, we have to respect Kara-France’s striking. We saw Pantoja struggle with Erceg’s striking. Though, part of that is because Erceg’s sharp and straight striking style is quite unusual in MMA. Kara-France’s striking (complete with big looping punches), while potentially devastating, should be a little more familiar to Pantoja.
Kara-France is not the most accurate striker (just 39 percent on sig. strikes), but he doesn’t pay much of a price for missing his punches. His defense against sig. strikes is a way above average 65 percent. Pantoja’s sig. strike accuracy and defense are both exactly 50 percent.
Pantoja’s wrestling complements (and actually enhances) his striking game. He’s very good at disguising takedown attempts with punches and vice-versa.
He lands a very good 2.74 takedowns per 15 minutes at a decent 47 percent success rate. Kara-France has a very good takedown defense at 88 percent. In these Flyweight title fights, though, you only need one or two takedowns to steal that all important round that gives you the decision.
Pantoja has landed a takedown in all of his title fights. He needed three on Asakura before getting the tap. He landed nine on Erceg, eight on Royval and six on Moreno.
Kara-France was taken down once by Albazi and was able to stuff all three attempts he got from Moreno. Askar Askarov, perhaps the best wrestler he’s ever faced, got him down twice on fourteen attempts (that’s the biggest reason for his 88 percent takedown defense).
The point spread in this fight favors Pantoja, with -5.5 at -145. Given how often these title fights are split decisions, I think Kara-France +5.5 at +105 is worth a look (especially given Kara-France’s knockout power). I don’t do the point spread unless I would pick the given fighter on the moneyline, though.
The round total for this one is 3.5. I think that’s a little low. I think this is going to a decision. Both these guys have plenty of finishes in their careers, but Pantoja has mostly fought to a decision lately. And in these top five Flyweight match-ups, we usually go to the scorecards. The over in this fight is -175. The under is +130.
The fight to end by decision is -105 and that is very tempting. Similarly, you can get -140 on Fight to Start Round 5. My conservative play here would be Fight to Start Round 4 at -200. However, I do like this going to a decision, with Pantoja sucking up lots of time on top of Kara-France.
Best bet: Winning Method – Decision (-105)
Joshua Van gets a quick turn around at UFC 317. Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
Brandon Royval (-102) vs. Joshua Van (-118)
Vanjust fought. At the beginning of the month he pieced up Bruno Silva before dropping him in the third. He looked fantastic in that bout and has appeared to get better in every fight ever since his late technical knockout loss to Charles Johnson last year (see it here).
After this fight it will be five fights in less than a year for Van. I’m worried that he might be at risk of Cerrone’ing himself here. Being active is great, but there is a thing as too active. Damage from fights can carry over if there’s not a break between and you need full fight camps if you’re going to take on guys in the Top 5.
Royval last fought in Oct. 2024. He took a grueling split decision win over Tatsuro Taira. I think the split decision was a little unfair on Royval there. He had Taira well beat. Before that, he earned a split decision over Brandon Moreno. And before that, he lost a decision to Alexandre Pantoja.
These guys are going to throw down on Saturday. Van only knows one way to move (forward) and one way to fight (aggressive). Royval is a little more nuanced and tactical and he benefits from a ton of experience fighting the very best of his weight class.
I think the 32-year-old Royval is meeting the 23-year-old Van at the right time in Van’s career. Royval is at his peak right now, while Van is still a few years from realizing all his potential. I think on this night Royval might be too experienced and technical for Van. Royval is also much bigger than Van and will enjoy a three-inch reach advantage.
I think we’re getting a fun fight that goes the distance here. I think it could be close, but I trust Royval’s veteran savvy to provide him enough moments (takedowns, submission attempts, big shots) to earn the judges’ decision. Van will be game, but I don’t think it’s his time yet. Royval should get this and then stake his claim for another title shot.
Best bet: Brandon Royval moneyline (-102)
Beneil Dariush and Renato Moicano get a make-up date at UFC 317. Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Beneil Dariush (-105) vs. Renato Moicano (-115)
This isn’t quite UFC Seniors’ Tour, but it’s close with both these guys being 36. Dariushand Moicanowere supposed to fight at UFC 311, but that all changed when Islam Makhachev was left needing an opponent. Moicano was drafted in and submitted in the first round (see it here). Dariush was left without a dance partner. Hopefully he still got his show money.
Dariush hasn’t fought since Dec. 2023, when he was TKO’d by Arman Tsarukyan (see it here). Before that, he was TKO’d by Charles Oliveira. I really like to fade fighters who have been on layoffs like this.
I’m not sure what Dairush has left in the tank. Age seems to have caught up to him in a more detrimental manner than it has for Moicano. His grappling has always been elite, but Moicano is very good on the ground, too. A peak Dariush might have been able to win a grappling match with Moicano, but today — I think Moicano is the more dangerous fighter (especially after what he did to Benoit Saint-Denis).
Neither of these guys are devastating strikers, but I give Moicano the edge in that department, too.
I think Moicano’s gameplan is going to be to pick away on the feet and try and hurt Dariush over the long haul. On the flip side, I think Dariush’s gameplan will be to get the takedown and look for submissions from the top.
I think Moicano’s gameplan is more likely to work, though.
Best bet: Renato Moicano moneyline (-115)
Payton Talbott will want to show he wasn’t ‘fraud checked’ at UFC 317. Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
Payton Talbott (+160) vs. Felipe Lima (-192)
The pressure is on Talbott. He lost to Raoni Barcelos as a massive -1150 betting favorite in his last fight. And he didn’t lose by a lucky punch. Barcelos dominated him, out-striking and wrestling him. Talbott looked totally out of his depth and unable to deal with Barcelos’ well-rounded skills. This was Talbott’s first pro loss and followed technical knockout finishes over Yanis Ghemmouri (see it here) and Cameron Saaiman (see it here).
UFC might have signaled that they aren’t that excited to be in the Talbott business with this booking.
Instead of giving him a winnable fight to build back his confidence, they have given him a very tough opponent in the form of “Jungle Boy.” I wonder if this has anything to do with Talbott not quite fitting the mould as a typical UFC fighter.
Lima joined the promotion on short notice and submitted Muhammad Naimov in his debut last year (see it here). In Dec. 2024, he took a decision over Miles Johns. Both those fights were at Featherweight. Lima has come down to Bantamweight for this fight. That’s where he fought prior to UFC (he was Oktagon MMA champ at 135 pounds).
Despite coming down in weight, Lima will be giving up a lot of size to Talbott — he is four inches taller and has two inches of reach. I think we might be sleeping on Talbott now after that Barcelos loss.
I think both these guys are very good and it’s a shame to have them fight so early in their UFC careers. Lima struggled a little with Naimov’s forward pressure and punching volume. If Talbott is the one coming forward, then I think he can cause problems for Lima, too.
Barcelos and the threat of the takedown had Talbott backing up a lot in that fight. I don’t think he’s going to worry too much about Lima taking him down. Lima is a fine wrestler/grappler, but he’s not as dedicated or dogged with his takedowns as Barcelos is.
If this stays on the feet, I think Talbott’s volume is going to tell the story of this fight. He lands 6.73 sig. strikes a minute and absorbs just 3.75. Lima is more conservative with just 3.5 sig. strikes landed a minute. Talbott’s accuracy on sig. strikes is also 10 percent better than Lima’s.
The skepticism around Talbott is high enough that you can get him +3.5 at just -150. I think this is a close fight and it’s going to a decision. So, Talbott, who I think might be slightly better than Lima right now, plus the points is perfect for me.
Best bet: Payton Talbott +3.5 (-150)
UFC 317 Late ‘Prelims’ Under Card Odds
Gregory Rodrigues comes into UFC 317 after a big loss to Jared Cannonier. Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Jack Hermansson (+170) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (-205)
Rodrigueslooked off in his last fight. He was a distant second best in his main event debut opposite Jared Cannonier in February. Part of that was due to how great Cannonier fought. The 40 year-old never let Rodrigues get comfortable and was able to finish him in the fourth (see it here). Even so, Rodrigues didn’t quite seem like himself in that fight. He was much more conservative and negative in his fighting.
Hermansson, meanwhile,has been out for more than one year. His last fight was a unanimous decision over Joe Pyfer. Being out for a year is a red flag for me. And we’ve seen, this year, time and time again, fighters return from that lay-off and just look rusty and unable to pull the trigger.
I think a returning and possibly tentative Hermansson is a very good match-up for Rodrigues. Hermansson is not going to pressure and push the pace like Cannonier did. Rodrigues should have time to pick his spots and his shots.
Hermansson’s best attribute is his wrestling, but Rodrigues is also one of the best in the division when it comes to both wrestling and BJJ (RoboCop’s 88 percent takedown defense leads the division). I just don’t see the path to victory for Hermansson here.
Best bet: Gregory Rodrigues moneyline (-205)
Hyder Amil might bring some fireworks to UFC 317. Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Hyder Amil (+136) vs. Jose Miguel Delgado (-162)
This fight could be a lot of fun.
Amil is quickly earning a reputation for being a must-see action fighter. He won a hard fought decision over William Gomis last time out. That came after his Tekken like combo victory over Jeong Yeong Lee (see it here). Amil throws bombs and he’s quite accurate with them (57 percent on sig. strikes). Amil is already 35, so he doesn’t have time to waste if he wants to do something in this very competitive Featherweight division.
Delgado, on the other hand,looked like the total package in February, when he starched Connor Matthews for a first round technical knockout (see it here). That was the MMA Lab fighter’s first UFC appearance post Contender Series.
Amil is going to bring a lot of pressure. The question is whether Delgado is slick enough to avoid it and land his own shots. He’ll have no chance if he can’t get Amil to respect his striking.
I think this one is too close to call. I think we’re in for a very close and entertaining fight that reaches the judges, though.
Best bet: Over 2.5 rounds (+124)
Tracy Cortez returns at UFC 317 after almost a year on the sidelines. Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC
Viviane Araujo (+205) vs. Tracy Cortez (-250)
Both Araujo and Cortezhave spent some time on the sidelines. The last time we saw Araujo she upset Karine Silva at UFC 309 back in Nov. 2024. Cortez, meanwhile, hasn’t fought since she came in on short notice to fight Rose Namajunas in the main event of UFC Denver last July. Cortez was well beaten in that bout, losing a set of eye lashes in the process.
These two are very similar fighters, so the winner of this one might be just whoever wants it more. I think Araujo might be tougher than Cortez, so I’m leaning toward her getting the nod.
I think we might see a lot of wrestling and grappling in this fight and the winner will likely be whoever gets that top position for the most amount of time. I think Cortez has the better wrestling, but Araujo has the better BJJ. On the ground, I think Araujo will be able to get the better positions, most of the time, and maybe even get deep on a few submission attempts.
Best bet: Viviane Araujo moneyline (+205)
Terrance McKinney will be bonus hunting at UFC 317. Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Terrance McKinney (-180) vs. Viacheslav Borshchev (+150)
McKinneyis guaranteed entertainment. In his 23-fight career, he’s only seen the second round four times and only once reached the third. He’s never been to a decision. In UFC, all six of his victories have come in the first or second rounds. Of his four losses, two were first round finishes (to Esteban Ribovics and Drew Dober) and two were second round finishes (to Nazim Sadykov and Ismal Bonfim).
Last time out, McKinney pounded out Damir Hadzovic in two minutes (see it here).
Borshchev, meanwhile,hasn’t had much success since joining UFC off Contender Series in 2021. He’s 3-4-1. The draw was a “Fight of the Night” with Sadykhov in 2023. He most recently lost a decision to Tom Nolan.
I think McKinney’s high powered and fast starting offense will be too much for “SantaSlav” (a notorious slow starter). Under 1.5 rounds is set at -238 for this fight, so I guess I’ll just go with McKinney on the moneyline (even though I think there’s a chance to leaps into a Borshchev punch for an early loss).
Best bet: Terrance McKinney moneyline (-170)
UFC 317 Early ‘Prelims’ Under Card Odds
Sedriques Dumas was supposed to fight Jackson McVey Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Christopher Ewert vs. Jackson McVey
Sedriques Dumas was supposed to be fighting McVey. However, Dumas is embroiled in yet more legal drama so he won’t be able to make it out to Vegas (so sad).
This was a hastily put together bout to begin with. McVey had just fought, and won, at LFA two weeks ago. He’s a fun looking prospect with good striking and grappling.
Ewert is coming in on days notice. He was due to fight on Contender Series in August. He’s a 31 year-old undefeated (7-0) veteran of the South American scene.
There’s no odds for this match-up at this time of writing. Though, I expect McVey to be the favorite.
Best bet: Jackson McVey
Jhonata Diniz will be parachuting into UFC 317, off a loss. Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Jhonata Diniz (-325) vs. Alvin Hines (+260)
Dinizhit a pothole on his route to being the next big thing out of GLORY in UFC. In November he was mounted and smashed by Marcin Tybura. Tybura landed devastating elbows on Diniz, cutting him up and dazing him to the point that the doctor couldn’t let him come out for another round (see it here). It was a very good stoppage.
That was Diniz’s first MMA loss. Previous to that he took a dull as dishwater decision over Karl Williams and got a KO on the very KO-able Austen Lane (see it here).
Hines is a rare UFC signing. He’s a 33-year-old who they have pulled out of LFA and put right on the big show. He’s been a force in LFA, finishing guys with brutal ground and pound. He got a head kick knockout in his last fight, too.
I think Hines can get wins in the UFC’s hilariously bad Heavyweight division (I think he pastes Hamdy Abdelwahab). Diniz might be a little too polished for him, though. Diniz also has some size and reach over him.
I don’t think it’s wise to count out Hines, entirely. I think he’s a very live dog here. I’ll take the over here, anticipated a longer and closer fight than Vegas are expecting.
Best bet: Over 1.5 rounds (-120)
Jacobe Smith is the biggest favorite at UFC 317. Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Niko Price (+1100) vs. Jacobe Smith (-2100)
Smithis -4000 on ESPN’s sportsbook. The price I have here is from DraftKings. Either way, he’s on track closing as either the biggest, or one of the biggest, favorites in UFC history. The previous record was made at UFC Atlanta with Malcolm Wellmaker’s odds. Is this just ESPN trying to get attention for its sportsbook?
The 29-year-old Smith is undefeated (10-0) and part of a crop of guys coming off Contender Series with absolute dynamite in their hands. Smith introduced himself with a first round left hook knockout over Preston Parsons in January (see it here).
The veteran Price is 2-5 1 NC in fights since 2020. His only wins are decisions over Alex Morono (who looked terrible that night) and Alex Oliveira (who is fighting on the Russian scene now).
Vegas usually hits on these absurd odds. The lone exception lately has been Payton Talbott, who we’ll see on the main card.
Smith should win this and he’s probably going to knockout Price. But, there’s no value on betting on any of that. Instead, I’ll go with the over and hope that Price is crafty enough to get himself deep into the second round.
Best bet: Over 1.5 rounds (+190)
More of this please! Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC
UFC 317 Long Shots!
Here’s a couple of long shots for Saturday night’s action …
Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira – Fight to Finish in Last 10 Seconds of Any Round (+3000)
I think Topuria is finishing this fight. His odds to get the win in the first minute are just +900 (it’s usually +2000). So, I’m going with Topuria to get the win during the waning seconds of a round. I can see him working Oliveira over against the fence late in the fight, hearing the ten second claxon and then really pouring it on to get the win.
Renato Moicano vs. Beneil Dariush – Point to be Deducted (+2000)
In Baku he had ourselves a fouls fest. We had fence grabs, glove grabs, low blows, eye pokes and a massive illegal knee. We saw a two-point deduction for that knee. A week earlier we had the debacle in the Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato bout. And before that we had Julianna Pena being docked point for illegal upkicks. Things are getting funky in the cage! And maybe now is the turning point where referees start getting tough with these fighters. I’m betting on a point deduction happening this weekend and I’m going for a fight where I anticipate there will be lots of action against the fence and on the ground. Maybe we’ll get an illegal knee or up kick here that costs a point.
Two-fight parlay: Payton Talbott and Vivianne Araujo (+674)
I think there may be some person like/dislike affecting the bettings lines on these fights. A dislike of Talbott may have pushed his underdog odds higher than they should be against Lima. And Cortez’s popularity may have pushed her favorite odds lower than they should be. I like Talbott and Araujo in these fights and paired together gives a pretty healthy pay out (if it hits!).
LIVE! Watch UFC 317 PPV On ESPN+ Here!
CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLE-DIP! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) continues its 2025 pay-per-view (PPV) schedule on Sat., June 28, 2025, with a championship doubleheader headlining UFC 317 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, as part of International Fight Week. In UFC 317’s PPV main event, former Featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria, challenges ex-Lightweight titleholder, Charles Oliveira, for Islam Makhachev’s vacated 155-pound title in a high-stakes, five-round showdown. UFC 317’s PPV co-main event features Flyweight kingpin, Alexandre Pantoja,defending his 125-pound belt against No. 4-seeded contender, Kai Kara-France, in an electrifying five-round rematch. UFC 317 will also showcase a Lightweight bout between Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano, as well as a short-notice Flyweight clash pitting Brandon Royval vs. Joshua Van, and much more! UFC 317’s start time is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (“Early Prelims”), 8 p.m. ET (“Prelims” undercard), and 10 p.m. ET (PPV main card).
Don’t miss a single second of EPIC face-punching action!
Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 317 fight card right here, starting with the ESPN/ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET, before the main card start time at 10 p.m. ET (also on ESPN+).
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