UFC President and CEO Dana White announced plenty of big fights on Tuesday, but the biggest one is taking place at International Fight Week on June 28. Former Undisputed Featherweight Champion Ilia “El Matador” Topuria is fighting former 155-pound king Charles ” Do Bronx” Oliveira for the vacant Lightweight title at UFC 317. This news results from Islam Makhachev relinquishing his championship to face newly crowned Welterweight Champion Jack Della Maddalena.
Even though Oliveira is the former champion in this division, Topuria is the favorite in this bout. Topuria is a big -380 favorite while Oliveira is a +300 underdog on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Topuria, 28, is 7 years younger than Oliveira and has an undefeated record of 16-0 with 14 finishes in his MMA career. He is 8-0 In the UFC, with six finishes. Topuria beat Alexander Volkanovski for the title and successfully defended it against Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October. But after struggling to make 145 pounds, Topuria has decided to chase more greatness in a different division.
Oliveira is 2-1 since he lost his last title fight against Makhachev at UFC 280 in October 2022. This will be his fifth lightweight title fight and third vacant title fight. Oliveira is coming off a victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 309 in November 2024.
UFC 317 Co-Main Event – Flyweight Title Fight: (C) Alexandre Pantoja vs Kai Kara-France
Pantoja is a -245 favorite while Kara-France is a +200 underdog on DraftKings Sportsbook. This will be Pantoja’s fifth consecutive title fight and fourth defense of his championship. Pantoja submitted Kai Asakura at UFC 310 in December 2024.
Kara-France knocked out Steve Erceg in August 2024 at UFC 305 and cemented himself as a worthy title challenger. This is Kara-France’s first undisputed title shot, but he fought Brandon Moreno in 2022 for the interim championship.
