UFC 317: Charles do Bronx aims to reclaim title against Topuria in Las Vegas

Charles Oliveira, widely known as Charles do Bronx, takes on the undefeated Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC 317, set for Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The bout, contested for the vacant lightweight title (up to 155 pounds), headlines the UFC’s International Fight Week and promises to be a thrilling showdown. Oliveira, a former lightweight champion, aims to recapture the belt he lost in 2022, while Topuria, previously the featherweight champion, seeks to make history by claiming a title in a new division. The fight will be broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass, with the main card starting at 10 p.m. ET. The vacancy of the lightweight title stems from current champion Islam Makhachev’s decision to move up to welterweight, leaving the belt open for this high-stakes clash.

At 35, the Brazilian Charles do Bronx enters the octagon with a record of 35 wins, 10 losses, and one no-contest. He holds the UFC record for most submission victories, with 20. Topuria, aged 27, boasts an unblemished record of 16 wins, including six knockouts and eight submissions.

• Why this fight is a must-watch:
  • Features two of MMA’s biggest stars.
  • Promises a clash of styles: jiu-jitsu vs. striking.
  • Marks Charles’s return to the title picture.
  • Anchors the prestigious International Fight Week.

The matchup between Charles do Bronx and Ilia Topuria is not just a title fight but a battle of skillsets and strategies, with both fighters exuding confidence in their paths to victory.

Charles do Bronx’s UFC journey
Charles Oliveira has built an impressive legacy in the UFC since his debut in 2010. Hailing from Guarujá, São Paulo, Brazil, he claimed the lightweight title in 2021 by knocking out Michael Chandler at UFC 262. However, he lost the belt in 2022 after missing weight for his defense against Justin Gaethje. His last title fight was a submission loss to Islam Makhachev. Since then, Oliveira has notched key wins, including against Beneil Dariush and a rematch with Chandler, alongside a loss to Arman Tsarukyan.

Currently ranked No. 2 in the lightweight division and No. 14 in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, Oliveira’s versatility makes him a formidable opponent. His elite jiu-jitsu, paired with aggressive striking, has earned him records for most submissions (16), post-fight bonuses (20), and finishes in UFC history, cementing his status as one of the promotion’s all-time greats.

Who is Ilia Topuria?
Ilia Topuria, born in Georgia and a Spanish citizen, is one of MMA’s brightest stars. Named the 2024 Fighter of the Year alongside Alex Pereira, Topuria remains undefeated with 16 wins. In February 2024, he captured the featherweight title by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski. In his lone title defense, he stopped Max Holloway via knockout at UFC 308 in October 2024.

Opting for new challenges, Topuria vacated the featherweight belt in April 2025 to move up to lightweight, where he now faces Charles do Bronx. Known for his devastating striking and grappling prowess, Topuria predicts a quick win, claiming the fight could last “two or three minutes.” His aggressive, precise style has drawn comparisons to MMA’s elite.

UFC 317’s stacked card
UFC 317 is a marquee event, kicking off International Fight Week, an annual celebration of MMA that includes the UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Beyond the main event, the card features a high-profile co-main event, with Brazil’s Alexandre Pantoja defending his flyweight title against New Zealand’s Kai Kara-France. Pantoja, 35, rides a seven-fight win streak and aims to solidify his reign in the division.

Other Brazilian fighters on the card include Renato Moicano, facing Beneil Dariush in the lightweight division, and Viviane Araújo, taking on Tracy Cortez in the flyweight division. The preliminary card starts at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the main card at 10 p.m. ET, both streaming on UFC Fight Pass. The first six prelim fights will be available for free on the UFC’s YouTube channel.

• UFC 317 card highlights:
  • Charles do Bronx vs. Ilia Topuria (lightweight title).
  • Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France (flyweight title).
  • Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano (lightweight).
  • Brandon Royval vs. Joshua Van (flyweight).
  • Jack Hermansson vs. Gregory Rodrigues (middleweight).

Charles do Bronx’s preparation
Charles do Bronx approaches UFC 317 with unwavering confidence. In a recent interview, he declared himself “alive and hungry” for the fight, emphasizing his daily growth and satisfaction with his training camp. The Brazilian anticipates an explosive striking battle with Topuria, likening the clash to “two trucks colliding.” His game plan likely blends his aggressive stand-up with opportunities to take the fight to the ground, where his jiu-jitsu could prove decisive.

With 46 professional fights, Charles’s experience is a key advantage against Topuria’s youth and momentum. Having faced top-tier opponents like Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Michael Chandler, he’s well-equipped to handle the pressure of a main event.

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Ilia Topuria’s confidence
Ilia Topuria, never short on bravado, balances provocation with respect for Charles. At the UFC 317 press conference on Thursday, June 26, Topuria exuded confidence, guaranteeing victory while praising Charles as a “legend of the sport.” The staredown was intense but respectful, with verbal exchanges keeping the rivalry professional.

Topuria believes his speed and power in striking will be the difference. He aims to exploit any gaps in Charles’s defense, particularly in the stand-up. His unbeaten record and dominant performances against Volkanovski and Holloway fuel his belief in a statement win.

Fan reactions and expectations
The fight has sparked immense excitement among MMA fans, particularly in Brazil, where Charles do Bronx is a national hero. At the press conference, Charles faced boos from some Las Vegas fans but brushed them off, stating, “If you think those boos are getting to me, you’re wrong.” His focus remains on reclaiming the title.

Social media buzz reflects a split in predictions. Some back Charles’s experience and grappling, while others favor Topuria’s youth and striking. The bout is seen as a generational showdown, with Charles aiming to reinforce his legacy and Topuria chasing a spot among the UFC’s all-time greats.

The vacant lightweight belt
The lightweight title became vacant after Islam Makhachev, champion since 2022, opted to move to welterweight to challenge new champion Jack Della Maddalena. Makhachev’s decision paved the way for Charles and Topuria to vie for the interim title. The situation is unusual, as Makhachev didn’t lose the belt but chose to pursue a second title in another division.

This shift highlights the fluid nature of the UFC, where top fighters often chase new challenges across weight classes. For Charles, a win would make him a two-time lightweight champion, a rare feat. For Topuria, victory could place him among the elite few with titles in multiple divisions.

Other Brazilians at UFC 317
In addition to Charles do Bronx and Alexandre Pantoja, UFC 317 showcases several Brazilian fighters. Renato Moicano, known for his charismatic persona, battles Beneil Dariush in a lightweight bout that could propel him into the top 5. Viviane Araújo faces Tracy Cortez, aiming to climb the flyweight rankings. Gregory Rodrigues and Jhonata Diniz also compete in the middleweight and heavyweight divisions, respectively, on the prelims.

With six Brazilians on the card, the event underscores Brazil’s prominence in MMA, a country that has produced champions like Anderson Silva, José Aldo, and Amanda Nunes. Fans are eager to see strong performances from the Brazilian contingent.

What to expect from the main event
The Charles do Bronx vs. Ilia Topuria showdown promises a blend of technique and intensity. Charles is likely to leverage his versatility, mixing striking with takedown attempts to capitalize on his jiu-jitsu. Topuria will aim to keep the fight standing, using his precision and power to pursue a knockout.

• Key factors in the fight:
  • Charles’s ability to control the pace with grappling.
  • Topuria’s success in avoiding takedowns.
  • Stamina of both fighters in later rounds.
  • Strategic approaches in the early striking exchanges.

The matchup has all the makings of a UFC classic, pitting two fighters at different career stages but equally driven to claim the lightweight belt.