Predictions
30 November, 2025
This Saturday night, the UFC wraps up its International Fight Week with the thrilling UFC 317 event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, starting at 10 PM ET on ESPN+ PPV. The prelims kick off at 8 PM ET on ESPN/ESPN+/Disney+, with early prelims at 6:30 PM ET on ESPN+/Disney+.
The highlight of the night features a clash between former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and former lightweight titleholder Charles Oliveira, competing for the 155-pound championship recently vacated by Islam Makhachev. Topuria, who ranks second in ESPN’s pound-for-pound list, faces off against Oliveira, who holds the second spot in the lightweight rankings.
In the co-main event, Alexandre Pantoja aims for his fourth consecutive defense of the men’s flyweight title against Kai Kara-France. Pantoja, currently ranked No. 7 in the pound-for-pound rankings, remains undefeated since July 2020. Meanwhile, Kara-France, ranked No. 4 in flyweight, earned his shot after a spectacular first-round knockout of Steve Erceg at UFC 305 this past August.
As fight day approaches, a host of experts, including UFC Hall of Famers and seasoned analysts, have weighed in with their predictions. Notably, many believe Topuria will secure a victory, with several suggesting a win by TKO or KO. Anthony Smith noted Topuria’s technical boxing skills, highlighting his ability to absorb hits while remaining defensively responsible.
Regarding the betting landscape, ESPN’s Ian Parker emphasizes caution with the odds. While Topuria is favored at -525, he warns that the fight’s competitiveness may be underestimated, suggesting a TKO/KO prop bet for Topuria and the over 1.5 rounds as a strategic play. Oliveira’s resilience adds another layer of intrigue, as he hasn’t faced a knockout since 2017.
In the flyweight division, experts predict a decisive win for Pantoja. Din Thomas believes that once Pantoja takes down Kara-France, he will likely secure a submission victory before the third round concludes. Betting odds currently favor Pantoja at -250, with analysts agreeing on his superior ground game and durability as crucial factors in the matchup.
As we approach the event, Parker also highlights other intriguing bets on the undercard, emphasizing prospects like Lima and Rodrigues, who are expected to deliver standout performances. The anticipation for UFC 317 is palpable, with fans and bettors alike eager to see how these predictions unfold in the Octagon.
UFC 317 not only showcases exciting fights but also reflects growing trends in MMA betting. With expert insights suggesting varied outcomes, it’s clear that while favorites emerge, the potential for surprises remains high. This dynamic adds depth to the viewing experience, making the event a must-watch for fans and bettors.
Play responsibly
In United Kingdom, betting can only be conducted through entities that hold the appropriate license to organize betting activities.
If you notice signs of addiction, immediately contact an organization that offers help to overcome addiction: Play responsibly!
