UFC 317
Review
Some nights feel magical from the very first minute. Others build slowly – and then, in the final moments, everything explodes into something unforgettable. UFC 317 was just such a night. What began as a strong fight night escalated over the final three bouts into a historic spectacle that will be remembered forever.
The new era begins
Main Event: Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira
Was Ilia Topuria bei UFC 317 im T-Mobile Arena ablieferte, war nichts weniger als eine Machtdemonstration. Der bisher ungeschlagene „El Matador“ stieg gegen den ehemaligen Champion Charles Oliveira in den Octagon – und verließ ihn keine drei Minuten später als neuer UFC-Leichtgewichtschampion.
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Topuria sagte es vor dem Kampf: ein sauberer rechter Haken – und genau dieser versenkte Oliveira bei 2:27 in Runde eins. Nach einem kurzen Austausch, einem schnellen Grappling-Engagement und einem Cut über Oliveiras Auge ließ Topuria seine Fäuste sprechen. Ein rechter Volltreffer ans Kinn, ein Nachschlag – und der Job war erledigt. Beeindruckend war nicht nur die Präzision, sondern die beinahe schon prophetische Ruhe, mit der Topuria dieses Finish vorhergesagt hatte.
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Mit diesem Sieg steht der 28-Jährige nun bei 17-0, mit Siegen über Volkanovski, Holloway und Oliveira in Folge – drei der größten Namen des Sports. Es ist nicht übertrieben zu sagen: Wir erleben die Geburt einer Legende. Topuria ist nicht nur „Double Champ“, sondern ein Ausnahmetalent, das mit Stil, Coolness und Brutalität überzeugt. Und die Ära hat gerade erst begonnen.
Der Mann fürs Grobe
Co-Main Event: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France
Alexandre Pantoja remains the benchmark in the flyweight division. The Brazilian champion dominated New Zealand challenger Kai Kara-France in impressive fashion, defending his title for the fourth time – this time by rear-naked choke in the third round (1:55).
Pantoja needed just 15 seconds to take Kara-France to the ground – and from then on, it was a one-man show. Although the City Kickboxer held his own better in the second round, it was Pantoja who consistently set the pace, took control, and ultimately forced his opponent to submit.
With eight consecutive victories, a perfect balance of striking and grappling, and victories over the top names in his division, Pantoja is slowly edging closer to flyweight legend Demetrious Johnson. And if there's anyone who can focus on the essentials without much fuss and simply deliver, it's Pantoja.
In addition to his performance, Topuria also had one of the coldest walkouts, click on the icon to see it
Remaining Main Card: Fighters at the Turning Point
Joshua Van vs. Brandon Royval
Joshua Van, just 23 years old, has definitively proven that he belongs among the elite of the flyweight division. In a high-energy exchange against the experienced Brandon Royval, the rising star won by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) – less than two weeks after his last victory at UFC 316. Whoever can beat Royval is ready for the title.
Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano
A wild, technical exchange between two experienced lightweights. Moicano briefly staggered Dariush in the first round, but the veteran fought back. In the end, it was Dariush who prevailed in the third round, securing the point victory (three times 29-28) – a much-needed comeback after two consecutive losses.
Payton Talbott vs. Felipe Lima
In the opening bout of the main card, Talbott prevailed on points in a close, entertaining duel (29-28 three times). After a difficult first round, the young bantamweight turned it around and showed why many see him as a future top contender. Lima was strong, but Talbott was more physical and determined in the end.
What began as a solid fight card culminated in a memorable evening. Ilia Topuria crowned herself with a performance that set a new standard. Alexandre Pantoja defended his title with surgical precision. And up-and-coming talents like Joshua Van and Payton Talbott delivered.
UFC 317 wasn't just an event—it was a statement. The UFC's new faces have finally established themselves. And we can look forward to a future in which names like Topuria, Van, and Talbott will continue to be a topic of conversation.
What happens next?
After this performance, many doors are open for Ilia Topuria. A title defense against Paddy Pimblett or a real blast against Islam Makhachev are on the cards. However, there's little concrete information yet.
The victorious flyweight dominator Pantoja will face the up-and-coming Joshua Van.
The next numbered event is in New Orleans for the Holloway vs Porier 3 duel at UFC 318.
Until then!