UFC 317: Topuria Dethrones Oliveira, Van Emerges as Flyweight Threat in Vegas Showdown

UFC 317: Topuria's Rise and Van's Emergence Signal a New Era

UFC 317 in Las Vegas witnessed the crowning of a new champion, the rise of a new contender, and a fight that could easily be a Fight of the Year contender.

The main event saw Ilia Topuria, the former featherweight champion, secure the lightweight title by knocking out former titleholder Charles Oliveira in the first round. After his victory, Topuria faced off with a potential future opponent, Paddy Pimblett.

Image of Ilia Topuria celebrating his knockout victory over Charles Oliveira

In the co-main event, Alexandre Pantoja continued his reign as the flyweight champion with a submission win over Kai Kara-France. Following the fight, Pantoja was confronted by Joshua Van, who had just delivered a spectacular performance, defeating Brandon Royval in a bout that is already being considered as a Fight of the Year candidate. Van has now positioned himself as a top contender in the 125-pound division.

Here are the key takeaways from UFC 317:

Ilia Topuria: A Different Breed of Fighter

Doubting Charles Oliveira is always a risk, given his history of defying the odds in lightweight title fights. However, from the moment Ilia Topuria entered the arena, his presence exuded an unwavering confidence. Having observed some of the best fighters in UFC history, there was no doubt that Topuria was destined to win.

His self-belief, coupled with his rigorous training, made him unbeatable. What makes Topuria truly special is his ability to visualize his victories. He didn't just defeat Oliveira; he left him stunned with a perfectly executed shot that he had envisioned beforehand. Moreover, Topuria hosted a victory party the day before the fight, a move that even the most confident fighters wouldn't dare to attempt. Ilia Topuria is undoubtedly the most compelling figure in MMA right now. --Okamoto

Alexandre Pantoja's Next Challenger Secured

Image of Joshua Van facing off against Alexandre Pantoja

Alexandre Pantoja still has a long journey ahead to match Demetrious Johnson's record of 11 consecutive title defenses. However, among current champions, Pantoja stands out. His four title defenses are more than any other UFC champion.

Pantoja benefited from Van's victory over Royval, avoiding a third rematch against Royval. The crowd erupted in support of the 23-year-old Van after his win, and the face-off between him and Pantoja generated significant excitement. This is precisely what the champion needs – a challenger who can elevate his profile and push him to his limits. Joshua Van has the potential to be that rival. --Wagenheim

Joshua Van: A Budding Fan Favorite

Joshua Van possesses all the qualities of a fan favorite. His activity is reminiscent of Max Holloway, who fought four times in 11 months after joining the UFC. Van fought five times in the past nine months. He carries himself with a similar calm confidence. After beating the top flyweight contender on short notice, Van is poised for a bright future.

He will undoubtedly be involved in numerous tough fights, much like his recent bout, and fans will adore him for it. He will be a contender for a UFC title, and regardless of the outcome, he will leave a lasting impact on the sport. -- Okamoto