Key Highlights From UFC 317 (June 26 – 29, 2025)

BoxingJuly 9, 2025

UFC 317 took over Las Vegas from June 26 to 29, 2025, and it didn’t waste a second. Fights were fast, finishes were brutal, and a few careers may never be the same. From Topuria’s rocket right hand to Pantoja’s chokehold clinic, the action left fans fired up and fighters facing new futures.

Here are some of the key moments from UFC 317:

Topuria Flattens Oliveira, Becomes Two-Division King

Ilia Topuria made it clear he is no hype job. The former featherweight champ stepped into the cage looking calm but left it as the new lightweight boss. In just one round, he knocked Charles Oliveira out cold and claimed the vacant 155-pound belt.

UFC / IG / The win made Topuria, 28, a two-division champ, still undefeated, and now a legit threat to anyone in two weight classes.

Oliveira came out swinging, but Topuria’s counter game was sharp. He picked his spot, timed it right, and dropped the hammer. One clean combo sent Oliveira crashing. Just like that, Topuria went from contender to king.

Pantoja Squeezes Out Another Title Defense

Alexandre Pantoja didn’t leave any doubt. The Brazilian flyweight champ choked out Kai Kara-France in round three, locking in his fourth title defense. Pantoja dragged him into deep water and never let up. He kept the pressure high, worked for position, and when he saw the neck, it was lights out.

After the fight, Pantoja didn’t take long to name his next target. He wants rising contender Joshua Van, who also scored a win earlier that night. Pantoja’s grip is tight on the flyweight belt, but Van’s speed and hunger could make that one a war.

UFC Veterans Make Waves Beyond the Octagon

UFC / IG / Beyond the UFC, Alexandr Romanov settled an old score in the PFL. He submitted Valentin Moldavsky, flipping the script from their first fight and pushing ahead in the playoff bracket.

While UFC 317 was the main stage, former UFC fighters were busy proving they still have got gas in the tank. Over at PFL World Tournament 7 on June 27, Rodrigo Nascimento outpointed Oleg Popov in a gritty heavyweight bout. His move to PFL looks like the right call, with back-to-back wins so far.