UFC 317 Results: Ilia Topuria Becomes Two-Division Champion

Ilia Topuria added another chapter to his undefeated legacy with a devastating first-round knockout win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, claiming the vacant UFC lightweight championship and becoming a two-division titleholder. The event took place Sunday, June 29 (Asia time) at the T-Mobile Arena, drawing a sold-out crowd of 19,800 and a gate of $11.3 million.

Topuria, the former featherweight champion, made good on his promise to finish Oliveira in the opening round. Despite Oliveira's early grappling advantage, Topuria reversed position and knocked out the former champion at 2:27 of Round 1.

“This is the next level of the game,” said Topuria. “Whoever is ready for me, I am here. If [Paddy] Pimblett will sign the contract, I am here.”

In the co-main event, Alexandre Pantoja successfully defended his flyweight title for the fourth time, submitting Kai Kara-France via rear-naked choke in Round 3. Pantoja, who dominated the grappling exchanges, called for greater recognition in the pound-for-pound rankings.

After the win, rising Asian prospect Joshua Van was confirmed as the next challenger for Pantoja’s belt. Van had earlier defeated Brandon Royval in a three-round thriller that earned Fight of the Night honors. The 22-year-old Van broke a UFC record by landing over 100 significant strikes in back-to-back fights and issued a clear message: “The winner of the title fight tonight, they're going to have to see me.”

UFC President Dana White confirmed Van’s title shot, calling it “the fight to make right now.”

Also on the main card, Beneil Dariush and Payton Talbott earned decision victories, while Gregory Rodrigues, Jose Miguel Delgado, and others delivered explosive finishes on the undercard.

UFC 317 Results

UFC Lightweight Championship

Ilia Topuria def. Charles Oliveira via KO (right hook), Round 1, 2:27

UFC Flyweight Championship

Alexandre Pantoja def. Kai Kara-France via submission (rear-naked choke), Round 3, 1:55

Main Card

Joshua Van def. Brandon Royval via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Beneil Dariush def. Renato Moicano via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Payton Talbott def. Felipe Lima via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Prelims

Gregory Rodrigues def. Jack Hermansson via KO (left hook), Round 1, 4:21
Jose Miguel Delgado def. Hyder Amil via KO (strikes), Round 1, 0:26
Tracy Cortez def. Viviane Araújo via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Terrance McKinney def. Viacheslav Borshchev via submission (mounted guillotine choke), Round 1, 0:55
Jacobe Smith def. Niko Price via submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 4:03
Jhonata Diniz def. Alvin Hines via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)