UFC 317 was a spectacle for the ages. Taking place at the legendary T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on June 28, 2025, the event witnessed Ilia Topuria write his name in UFC history, Alexandre Pantoja continue his terror run in the flyweight division, and Joshua Van vs. Brandon Royval provide what many are already dubbing a Fight of the Year contender.
Let’s get into the night that rocked the MMA universe.
Main Event: Ilia Topuria Becomes UFC’s 10th Two-Division Champion
In the co-main event, Ilia Topuria put on a perfect performance against former titleholder Charles Oliveira, stopping him with a brutal left hook and subsequent hammerfist in Round 1 (2:27). With this victory, Topuria is now a multi-division titleholder, earning titles in both the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions, a testament only a few legends, such as McGregor and Cormier, have accomplished.
Our Take:
Topuria’s sharp fight instincts, raw power, and calm under fire signal his evolution into a truly elite force in the Octagon. His post-fight callout of Paddy Pimblett, followed by a shove in the octagon after the fight, foreshadows a future big-time grudge bout.
Co-Main Event: Pantoja Submits Kara-France in Round 3
Alexandre Pantoja again demonstrated why he’s the most feared fighter of his weight class on the planet. Withstanding gritty and tough Kai Kara-France, Pantoja wore him down with constant pressure and grappling, eventually finishing with a rear-naked choke at 1:55 of Round 3.
Our Take:
This was a clinic. Pantoja is not only defending the title—he’s establishing a legacy. With up-and-coming contenders like Joshua Van, the flyweight division is heating up quickly.
Fight of the Night: Joshua Van vs. Brandon Royval
An absolute battle. Right from the opening bell, Joshua Van and Brandon Royval unleashed a whirlwind of intensity, firing off vicious combos and showcasing slick, relentless grappling exchanges. Van won by unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 30–27), but both men left the Octagon with Fight of the Night bonuses.
Our Take
Van is the authentic article. At 22, he’s already turning out to be a title contender of the future. This fight demonstrated heart, skill, and relentless action—exactly what MMA enthusiasts desire.
Other Main Card Showstoppers:
Beneil Dariush ended his losing streak with a calm victory over Renato Moicano by unanimous decision.
Young gun Payton Talbott keeps dazzling with yet another dominating win, this time against Felipe Lima.
Gregory Rodrigues, known as “Robocop,” stormed the prelims and stole the spotlight with a thunderous knockout of Jack Hermansson, earning himself a well-deserved Performance of the Night bonus.
Bonus Winners:
Fight of the Night: Joshua Van vs. Brandon Royval
Performance of the Night: Ilia Topuria, Gregory Rodrigues
Total Bonus Payout: $200,000
UFC 317: What This Means for the Future
Ilia Topuria is more than just a two-weight world champ—he’s a promotional goldmine. With his rising star power and fiery rivalry with Paddy Pimblett, a future clash could headline a blockbuster pay-per-view and break UFC records.
Pantoja vs. Van may be the next natural title fight in the flyweight division, particularly after Van’s clinic.
Gregory Rodrigues re-establishes himself as a middleweight beast. He’s a knockout danger to everybody in the top 10.
Final Thoughts
UFC 317 provided fans brutal knockouts, elite submissions, and indelible moments—the kind of card that encapsulates a year of MMA. From Topuria’s coronation as a champion to Pantoja’s masterclass and Van’s star-making turn, this card did not disappoint on any level.
Stay tuned in to SportSnip.com for all your newest UFC news, expert analysis, and post-fight breakdowns.
