UFC 317 proved to be a major success, delivering significant action and shaping the landscape in key divisions. Headlined by Ilia Topuria`s move up to lightweight, the event saw “El Matador” claim a historic second title, raising questions about the significance of his recent winning streak. Alongside Topuria`s triumph, Alexandre Pantoja defended his flyweight belt, further solidifying his status. A panel of MMA Fighting analysts convened to break down these major storylines and other notable moments from the night in Las Vegas.
Event Quality: A Standout Card
The consensus among analysts was overwhelmingly positive regarding UFC 317. Described as thrilling, riveting, and incredibly entertaining, the card was lauded as the best of 2025 to date, providing much-needed star-making moments and lasting ramifications for the lightweight and flyweight divisions. The depth of talent, particularly in the lighter weight classes, contributed to a memorable night.
Ilia Topuria`s Run: The Greatest Ever?
Ilia Topuria`s recent streak is undeniably legendary. His knockout victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 made him a rare two-division champion. This follows dominant wins over former featherweight greats Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway – notably being the first fighter to ever knock out Holloway. Facing three all-time greats, albeit slightly past their absolute prime in some cases, and stopping them convincingly in succession is an achievement considered by many to be unparalleled. While comparisons are drawn to Jon Jones`s dominant run against multiple former champions, many analysts believe Topuria`s current three-fight stretch is unmatched in terms of opponent quality and finishing ability. This incredible run positions Topuria as potentially the second-greatest streak, rapidly closing the gap on Jones`s prime era and possibly surpassing it soon.
Alexandre Pantoja`s Continued Dominance
Alexandre Pantoja`s fourth successful title defense at UFC 317 highlighted his status as one of the sport`s elite fighters, potentially even the best pound-for-pound. While the specific opponent, Kai Kara-France, may not have represented the absolute toughest challenge given his recent record, this doesn`t diminish Pantoja`s overall body of work. He has consistently defeated top contenders, holding wins over a remarkable number of ranked flyweights and effectively clearing out the division. Pantoja`s career includes eight consecutive wins against ranked opponents and 11 total ranked victories dating back to The Ultimate Fighter. He is now just the 21st champion in UFC history with four or more defenses. His relentless pressure and exciting style make him a must-watch fighter, with some analysts even suggesting he could challenge the prime version of flyweight GOAT Demetrious Johnson.
Winners and Losers from UFC 317
Losers:
Several individuals faced setbacks at UFC 317. Jacobe Smith`s strange post-fight interview, filled with nonsensical shouting, wasted a high-profile moment. Referee Herb Dean drew criticism for his hesitant stoppage in the Jack Hermansson vs. Gregory Rodrigues fight, potentially allowing unnecessary follow-up shots. Charles Oliveira suffered a brutal knockout loss that analysts fear may significantly impact the 35-year-old`s career and future title aspirations. Furthermore, contenders in the lightweight division like Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje arguably lost out, as Ilia Topuria`s clear rivalry with Paddy Pimblett makes a fight between them the likely next step, potentially leaving other top contenders waiting or needing another fight.
Winners:
On the positive side, Joshua Van emerged as a major winner. Stepping up on short notice to fight Brandon Royval after competing just weeks earlier, Van delivered a potential Fight of the Year performance and secured a massive win. This propels the 23-year-old towards potential title contention against Pantoja, marking the potential beginning of a remarkable career story. Terrance McKinney also continued his streak of fast, exciting finishes, submitting his opponent in under a minute, solidifying his reputation as a must-see fighter, even if he never reaches title contention. Jose Miguel Delgado`s overlooked 26-second knockout win against Hyder Amil was highlighted as a great performance that got lost amidst the other finishes. Finally, Payton Talbott showed significant improvement after a previous loss, demonstrating sharper skills in striking and grappling transitions during his impressive victory, reminding everyone why he is considered a top prospect in the bantamweight division.
Wesley Dunham