Ilia Topuria makes the step to lightweight while he takes on Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC world title on UFC 317.
The competition only comes a few months after Ilia Topuria has left the UFC -Fedweight Championship after a dominant run in the division.
The unbeaten Georgian dropped the belt for a promised fight against Islam Makhachev before the former champion left the title to jump on to Welterweight.
Former champion Charles Oliveira was chosen instead to combat Topuria for the empty belt in a huge main event at UFC 317.
Elsewhere, the CO-Main event sees the UFC flying weight championship on the line while Alexandre Pantoja defends against Kai Kara-France in his fourth defending defense so far.
Here is everything you need to know about what promises to be a fantastic evening of MMA action on UFC 317.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
What time does UFC 317 start?
UFC 317 takes place in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on 28 June 2025.
The event is expected to start with the early preliminaries at 6:00 pm (ET), 3:00 PM (PT) and 11:00 pm (BST).
Then the preliminaries at 8:00 pm (ET), 5:00 PM (PT) and 01:00 am (BST).
Following from this, the main map arrives at 10 p.m., 7 p.m. (PT) and 3:00 AM (BST).
How to view UFC 317 view and live stream?
In the US, the UFC 317 early prelims will be available to look at the UFC Fight Pass from 18:00 (ET).
The preliminary rounds can be viewed on ESPN, while both the prelims and the main map can be streamed via ESPN+. The PPV costs viewers $ 79.99.
In the United Kingdom, fans can view the UFC 317 prelims through the UFC Fight Pass from 11 p.m. (BST) before they switch to TNT sports from 1 p.m. (BST) for the coverage of the main map.
UFC 317 – Who fights?
- Lightweight: Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira
- Flying weight: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France
- Lightweight: Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano
- Flying weight: Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape
- Middleweight: Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov
- Middleweight: Jack Hermansson vs. Gregory Rodrigues
- Heavyweight: Jhonata Diniz vs. Justin Tafa
- Flying weight for women: Viviane Araújo vs. Tracy Cortez
Roy Jones JR offered to train Ilia Topuria for his UFC 317 fight
Box legend Roy Jones JR has offered his services to Topuria to help with Oliveira coming together.
“I would make a lot of difference [to Ilia Topuria’s camp for Charles Oliveira] Because I learn how to get the most out of the striking, how to stay while you do it, “Jones Jr. said. In a recent interview.
“Because you always have to be ready in MMA because boys can remove your legs, but the way I fight, always stay set, so I think what I learn would be beneficial for anyone who chooses to enjoy and get what I really learn.”
Although he is an undefeated champion at featherweight, Topuria will have to work hard if he wants to make the step to become the UFC light weight champion.