UFC has announced something massive for UFC 317 that has sent all fight fans into absolute hysteria. There will be two title fights and they will be co-headlining the show. Ilia Topuria will fight Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title, whereas Alexandre Pantoja will defend the flyweight title against Kai Kara France. Tickets will be going on sale this Friday, and with the kind of responses this card has garnered across all media, it is bound to sell out in no time.
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Firstly, the lightweight clash between Topuria and Oliveira has already become a source for some rather heated arguments. The rising star, with a monstrous left hand for a knockout, steps into the biggest fight of his life with Oliveira, a former champion and slick submission artist. Some feel that Topuria’s power is just a step too much for Oliveira. One user, Samuel Chidiebube, ominously declared that “Topuria about to beat the shit outta Oliveira.” But Oliveira fans won’t hear of it. Another commenter retaliated, “Olivera by submission.” It’s been a crazy back-and-forth-the truth is, it’s tough to pick a side. Both have full arsenals, and it may well be a toss-up.
And then there will be Pantoja versus Kara France for the flyweight title. Pantoja is on a rampage, and Kara France is not an easy one either; the potential for an intensely technical battle is there. One fan, Anas22, called it a “wonderful matchup,” and honestly, probably an understatement. These two are about to turn up the heat; if you love fast-paced, high-level MMA, then this fight is for you.
Oh, then there would be the other people that are not so happy. Some may still bitterly express regrets over Islam Makhachev not being in the mix. One user, K., put it out there bluntly, “Fuck sake it should’ve been Makhachev.” And, yeah, his absence is very much felt; the UFC is moving forward, and these are the fights we’re getting.” Going back, Rohit Bisht said the card was “mid,” but acknowledged it could have been “God tier” with the addition of Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones. Fair point, but really-two title fights, that’s heavy.
Then you’ve got the whole vacant lightweight belt narrative. Some fans are seriously even questioning why Topuria got the shot with one user, SatoshiShark, dubbing it a “‘gift.’” But let’s not forget, Topuria’s been crushing everyone in his path, and Oliveira’s no pushover. This fight makes sense, even if it’s not the one everyone expected.
The flyweight fight is shaping up to be just as much fun, with Pantoja’s first title defense having everyone pumped. Kara France is a formidable opponent, and this has fight-of-the-night written all over it. One thing is for sure—with teams Topuria and Oliveira or just here for the flyweight havoc, this card has something for everyone.
We’ve got random chaos from these replies. Folks arguing about Jon Jones (seriously, why is he always in the conversation?) to somebody going all caps about smelling couches (??), the comments are a mess in the best possible way. But, that’s MMA-passionate, unpredictable, and entertaining.
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So put a mark on your calendars, set a reminder, and start building hype for UFC 317. Two titles on the line, two potential barn-burning fights, and tons of drama. This one’s gonna be good!