The UFC is gearing up for one of the biggest summer events as it returns to Las Vegas for International Combat Week, culminating in UFC 317 on Saturday night. The main event features former featherweight titleholder Ilia Topuria moving up to lightweight to compete for the vacant title against ex-champion Charles Oliveira. After relinquishing his featherweight belt to chase success in the lightweight division, Topuria is favored against Oliveira.
In the flyweight division, Alexandre Pantoja, a top pound-for-pound fighter from Brazil who has dominated much of his weight class, faces off against Kai Kara-France from New Zealand, who has struggled recently but earned this fight with a stunning knockout win over Steve Elseg. This event is expected to draw considerable betting interest nationwide, with two championship belts at stake and significant fights across several divisions. Expert bets are being made with a focus on heavy favorites, particularly looking at Draft Kings odds.
Key fight previews include Payton Talbot versus Felipe Lima, with Talbot favored to keep the fight standing and score rounds despite a past loss; Beneil Dalyush against Renato Moicano, where both fighters show vulnerabilities that could decide an early finish; Brandon Roybal versus Joshua Van, a fast turnaround fight where Roybal’s striking and experience may give him the edge; the clash between Pantoja and Kara-France, showcasing a battle of elite takedown skills against striking; and the headline bout of Topuria versus Oliveira, where Topuria is the favorite but Oliveira’s value as an underdog makes for an intriguing betting proposition.
Fan Take: UFC 317 is shaping up to be a landmark event, emphasizing the dynamic nature of fighter career trajectories and the fierce battles that define divisions. For fight fans, this event not only promises thrilling matchups but could also reshape the landscape of both the lightweight and flyweight divisions, signaling a new era of champions and rivalries in MMA.
