It is fight week, and UFC 317 is nearly here. The massive pay-per-view card inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena features a pair of title bouts and several must-see scraps.
In the headliner, Ilia Topuria looks to add his name to the history books when he attempts to win a title in a second division versus former lightweight king Charles Oliveira. In the co-main event, flyweight demigod Alexandre Pantoja aims to defend his belt for a fourth straight time when he takes on top 10 stalwart Kai Kara-France.
Ahead of Saturday’s event, we give you some bold UFC 317 predictions for the top bouts on the card.
Related: How to watch UFC 317, start times, and full fight card
Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira
Oliveira will go down as one of the greatest UFC lightweights of all time. However, he has a massive challenge in front of him on Saturday night. Defeating the undefeated former featherweight king in his prime would be tough, but Oliveira is 35 with a ton of fight miles and violent encounters on his body. It is why he enters the bout as a sizable underdog.
If the Brazilian is to win, he must be measured and make use of his notable height and reach advantages. Look for Oliveira to possibly win a round or two early. However, like every other foe, expect Topuria to eventually find the holes, expose them, and make history at UFC 317.
Prediction: Topuria by TKO, Round 5
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France
Kara-France has long been a highly respected fighter at flyweight. However, whenever he has faced the elites of the division, he has come up short, and definitively. Saturday will be his last chance to fight for gold, and he must make the most of it. However, he will have to beat one of the best 125-pounders of all time to break his glass ceiling.
Pantoja isn’t a perfect fighter. But he is very well-rounded, tough, and has above-average power in his hands. Kara-France will try and use his speed to score points and set up his own power shots. But the Brazilian will eventually walk him down and work his grappling to score a hard-fought victory.
Prediction: Pantoja by submission, Round 4
Brandon Royval vs. Joshua Van
One-time title challenger Brandon Royval was originally supposed to face Manel Kape at UFC 317. However, after “Starboy” had to pull out of the fight, he will now face rising prospect Joshua Van. The 23-year-old is a talented fighter with legit power in his hands, speed, and several solid wins on his resume. However, this is a big step up in competition.
“Raw Dawg” is still in his prime and knows that an impressive victory probably locks up another title opportunity for him. Don’t be surprised if Van has some moments in the early going. But Royval’s experience, length, and all-around game will get him the W in Las Vegas.
Prediction: Royval by unanimous decision
Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano
Three years ago, when he was in the midst of an eight-fight win streak, Beniel Dariush would have been a big favorite against Renato Moicano. But this is not 2022. It’s 2025, and Renato has evolved into one of the best lightweights in the world. While injuries and age have completely halted “Benny’s” momentum.
Dariush badly needs to get a win if he hopes to have more lucrative fights in his career. While it won’t be easy, look for him to use his grappling often to grind out a close win over the brawler.
Prediction: Dariush by unanimous decision
Payton Talbott vs. Felipe Lima
Prospects Payton Talbott and Felipe Lima will get a premium showcase opportunity on the UFC 317 main card. Both 20-somethings are exciting fighters with fight-finishing talent. However, hometown kid Talbott has the great equalizer. Big power in his fists. It is a trait that can change or end a fight at any moment.
Sure, he lost to Raoni Barcelos in January, but that will be a big learning experience for him. He will take those lessons into UFC 317 and get back into the win column with another knockout win.
Prediction: Talbott by TKO, Round 2
Jack Hermansson vs. Gregory Rodrigues
There was a time when it looked likely that Jack Hermansson would compete for middleweight gold. Unfortunately, similar to Kara-France, whenever he had to face the elites of the division, he failed. Now, he is 37 and has had just one fight in the last two years. On the other hand, Gregory Rodrigues is right in his prime and is a handful for any foe.
If this were 2022, the Swede would be a sizable favorite. But his best days are behind him. Expect that to show on Saturday night.
Prediction: Rodrigues by TKO, Round 3
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