Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira are set to clash in Las Vegas this Saturday, June 28, in a highly anticipated main event for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317. The stakes are particularly high, as the title became available following pound-for-pound champion Islam Makhachev’s decision to vacate it in order to move up in weight class. For Oliveira, this fight represents a chance for redemption, as he previously lost to Makhachev in a title fight in 2022. Topuria, on the other hand, enters the bout with an impressive undefeated record of 16-0, including eight consecutive victories in the UFC, as he aims to make history by becoming one of the few fighters to hold UFC titles in two different weight divisions.
The UFC 317 event features a co-main event flyweight title bout, where Alexandre Pantoja will defend his title against New Zealand’s Kai Kara-France. This card promises to deliver a thrilling night of fights, with the main event likely to draw significant attention from MMA fans around the globe. UFC 317 will also host a range of preliminary and early prelim fights showcasing various fighters, further emphasizing the event’s importance within the fighting community and setting the stage for potential future stars.
In terms of timing, the UFC 317 main card will kick off at 10 p.m. ET, with prelims starting earlier at 8 p.m. ET. Fans in the UK can follow the action starting at 3 a.m. BST via TNT Sports, while Australian audiences can view the main card through Foxtel’s Main Event or the Kayo streaming service, both broadcasting the fights at 12 p.m. AEST. Despite the various time zones, fans will undoubtedly tune in for what is expected to be an electrifying evening of competitive matchups.
For viewers in the United States, the UFC has partnered with ESPN Plus to provide coverage of UFC 317, with pay-per-view pricing set at $80 for existing subscribers. New subscribers can opt for a bundled package costing $135, which includes a subscription to ESPN Plus along with the pay-per-view event. This pricing structure reflects the long-standing collaboration between the UFC and ESPN, although some fans have expressed concerns regarding the limited options available for watching the event.
In the UK, MMA enthusiasts can enjoy the event via TNT Sports, which has been designated the exclusive broadcaster for numbered UFC events in the region. The coverage will be available without the additional pay-per-view charge, much to the delight of fans. Meanwhile, in Canada, viewers have a range of options, including cable operators and streaming services like DAZN, with a standardized pay-per-view fee of CA$70. Early prelims will also be accessible via UFC Fight Pass, allowing fans to experience the entire event.
For those who may encounter territorial restrictions while attempting to access the fight, using a VPN can be an effective solution. A VPN allows users to bypass geo-restrictions and stream the event as if they were in a different location. Setting up a VPN can enhance privacy while browsing and ensure smoother streaming experiences, particularly during significant events like UFC 317. Viewers are advised to confirm that their streaming service account details reflect their correct location to avoid potential issues, including blackout restrictions. With solid plans in place, fans can gear up for a night filled with thrilling MMA action.
