Ilia Topuria Didn’t Ask for the Crown—He Took It: UFC 317 Recap

By Steven J. Drzewoszewski
Published: June 29, 2025 | Xtremelyfe.com

Las Vegas, NV – Some fighters climb the ranks. Others explode through them. At UFC 317, Ilia Topuria did the latter—becoming the first undefeated two-division champion in UFC history and leaving no doubt about his place at the top of the sport.

In the main event, Topuria faced former lightweight king Charles Oliveira—a man known for his resilience, creativity, and comeback power. But none of that mattered. With surgical precision and unshakable composure, Topuria delivered a devastating right hand that knocked Oliveira out cold just 2 minutes and 27 seconds into the first round.

“I told the world I would make history,” Topuria said post-fight. “Now they have no choice but to believe it.”

The knockout wasn’t just another finish. It was a defining moment—the type of performance that echoes through highlight reels for years. In claiming the vacant UFC lightweight title, Topuria added to his featherweight belt and extended his record to 17–0, entering a class of his own in modern MMA history.

Pantoja Reigns Again in Co-Main Event

While Topuria stole the spotlight, Alexandre Pantoja quietly continued his dominant streak at 125 pounds. Defending his flyweight title for the fourth time, Pantoja submitted Kai Kara-France via rear-naked choke in Round 3 after an aggressive grappling sequence.

Pantoja, now 28–5, remains one of the most underappreciated champions in the UFC, but his technique, toughness, and consistency leave little doubt about his legitimacy at the top.

Joshua Van vs. Brandon Royval: Fight of the Night, Fight of the Year?

In a high-stakes flyweight brawl, Joshua Van and Brandon Royval delivered the kind of war that makes you forget to blink. Van emerged victorious by unanimous decision after three rounds of relentless pressure, punishing exchanges, and brilliant scrambles.

Awarded Fight of the Night honors, this bout not only thrilled fans but may have positioned Van for a future title eliminator.

Undercard Violence and Standout Performances

  • Gregory Rodrigues obliterated Jack Hermansson with a first-round knockout that could earn KO of the Month honors.

  • Terrance McKinney made quick work of Slava Borshchev, submitting him in under a minute with a rear-naked choke.

  • Jacobe Smith, a rising welterweight prospect, submitted veteran Niko Price, making a bold statement in his UFC debut.

The Pimblett Problem: What’s Next for Topuria?

Post-fight, Paddy Pimblett entered the cage for a staged face-off with Topuria—clearly teasing a future matchup. While the animosity is real and the money is tempting, the matchup raises questions.

For purists, potential title defenses against Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan, or a featherweight rematch with Alexander Volkanovski offer more competitive legitimacy. Still, if Pimblett-Topuria sells, expect UFC brass to cash in.

Official UFC 317 Photos and Press Resources

For those seeking high-resolution imagery and editorial-approved assets from UFC 317:

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The XTREME TAKEAWAY

Ilia Topuria didn’t ask for a shot—he demanded a legacy. UFC 317 wasn’t just a win. It was a declaration. In a sport built on survival and spectacle, Topuria proved that belief, skill, and grit still run the show.

For fans, fighters, and underdogs alike, the message is clear:
Stop waiting for permission. Start taking what’s yours.

Follow more real fight stories, mental toughness insights, and underdog victories at Xtremelyfe.com
Stay raw. Stay relentless. Stay real.