As the clock ticks down to UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the MMA universe is buzzing with anticipation-and skepticism-over who will headline the UFC's top-shelf International Fight Week show. This annual summer showcase is typically topped by a marquee title fight, but through late April, the headliner remains a mystery, leaving fans and insiders to speculate about what could be one of the year's most significant cards.
A History of Marquee Main Events
International Fight Week has been the UFC's signature celebration for years, with Hall of Fame inductions, fan expos, and a pay-per-view packed with celebrity power. Previous headliners have included Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya, Alexander Volkanovski, and Jon Jones. For UFC 317, there is just as much on the line, and there is pressure to deliver a main event worthy of the event.
The Options-and the Obstacles
Throughout the past few months, several big-name brawls have been discussed or being negotiated for the UFC 317 main event:
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus du Plessis (Middleweight Title): This was at the front of the line until du Plessis reportedly hurt himself, prompting the UFC to look elsewhere. Dana White assured that the fight is still in the cards for later this year but that it won't be on the top of International Fight Week.
Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria (Lightweight Title): This is the superfight most view as the most intriguing option. Topuria, undefeated and off a dominant featherweight run, will be stepping up to face Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion. Negotiations have been complicated, however. Makhachev has expressed interest in competing at welterweight, and there are questions about whether Topuria has done enough to leapfrog other contenders. Still, if the UFC can get the right offer made, this fight might become real-and would automatically energize the card.
Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall (Heavyweight Title Unification): This fantasy bout has been talked up, but with Jones still coming back from injury and Aspinall's window in doubt, it's unlikely to happen in June.
Other Title Fights: Since the flyweight title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Kara-France is already on the card, there was some talk that it could be headlining. Nevertheless, the UFC doesn't usually put flyweights in the headlining spot for its biggest PPV of the year, so it's likely to be a co-main event.
What the Experts and Insiders Are Saying
Dana White chimed in recently, saying, "We will see how it all plays out," when asked about Makhachev vs. Topuria. In the meantime, established MMA writers and analysts have shown the lightweight title fight is the "easiest blockbuster" the UFC can construct on short notice. "Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria is the make-it's the greatest fight in MMA today other than Jones vs. Aspinall," another analyst argued, echoing fans' and pundits' sentiments alike.
Others refer to the timeliness: "If the main event turns into Islam Makhachev vs. Justin Gaethje, that's a complete disaster for the UFC," one commentator averred, in reference to the popularity of a new, high-drama encounter.
The Most Likely Scenario
With du Plessis vs. Chimaev off the table and Jones vs. Aspinall in question, all signs point to the UFC going into overtime to put Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria as the UFC 317 headliner. This fight checks all the boxes: it's champion v. champion, features two of the sport's most active and marketable stars, and would generate worldwide buzz in the midst of International Fight Week.
In case the negotiations break down, the UFC can have another big lightweight or welterweight title fight, but there is obviously a thirst for Makhachev vs. Topuria.
The Bottom Line
So far, the UFC 317 headliner remains uncertain, but the favorite is a lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. With the world watching in suspense, the UFC is under pressure to deliver a blockbuster. If they manage it, International Fight Week 2025 could be remembered as one of the most explosive events in MMA history. The world waits for Dana White and the matchmakers to deliver.
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