The countdown is on for the 13th annual UFC International Fight Week. With about three months remaining until this major MMA event, UFC 317, scheduled for June 28th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, still lacks a confirmed main event.
The UFC always strives to make International Fight Week a standout event. However, over the past decade, various factors have sometimes prevented them from showcasing their absolute best.
Will 2025 be different? There are several exciting potential matchups that could headline UFC 317. Leading UFC analyst and experienced welterweight fighter Michael Chiesa spoke with MMA Junkie about a range of possible main events, from realistic options to more ambitious scenarios – specifically excluding a Jon Jones versus Tom Aspinall heavyweight title unification bout.
1. Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev
“This fight makes sense in terms of timing. Dricus Du Plessis against Khamzat Chimaev would be a very worthy main event for International Fight Week. Chimaev has had issues with injuries and withdrawals in the past, and he hasn`t fought in the U.S. for a while. I`m not sure if there`s a specific reason for that, but immediately, this seems like the best possible fight with available fighters. We don`t have to wait for other fights to happen first. For me, this is a logical and standout matchup.”
2. Dricus Du Plessis vs. Alex Pereira
“Since Alex recently lost his title, this would have to be at middleweight. Dricus Du Plessis versus Alex Pereira at 185 pounds. Could Alex make middleweight again? I really doubt it, but we can consider some more unlikely options. However, with the right financial offer and three months to prepare, he might be able to drop to 185 pounds. I want to see Dricus featured at International Fight Week, and that`s why he`s in my top two potential fights. He deserves to headline a major event where he can earn pay-per-view points, and there are few bigger names to draw those points than Khamzat Chimaev and Alex Pereira.”
3. Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O`Malley 2
“A rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley is also a logical fight based on timing and fighter availability. These factors are important when discussing potential International Fight Week headliners. This rematch is a clear possibility.”
4. Merab Dvalishvili vs. Alexandre Pantoja
“I`ve heard rumors that Merab could potentially make 125 pounds. I know his weight cuts are very challenging for him, he doesn`t take shortcuts. But with that said, I believe he could make flyweight, and a fight with Alexandre Pantoja is what Pantoja needs to elevate his profile. Pantoja needs to be in a high-profile fight. Flyweight and bantamweight are currently the two deepest divisions in the UFC, from champion to the lowest ranks. Lighter weight classes require more skill in this sport. This fight would give Merab the chance to chase two titles and give Pantoja a significant, marquee win against someone other than Brandon Moreno. It would be exciting to see him aim for double-champion status.”
5. Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria
“The timing is perfect for this fight. With champions like Islam Makhachev, you want to schedule him for key markets. While Abu Dhabi is ideal for him, Magomed Ankalaev recently won a title, and a rematch in Abu Dhabi seems likely. This frees up Islam to fight in the U.S. during International Fight Week. He has plenty of time to make weight, and I think this timeline works for him.
Some might argue Ilia Topuria doesn’t deserve the fight over Arman Tsarukyan, who I still see as the clear No. 1 contender. It’s unfortunate we didn’t see that fight. However, for International Fight Week, you want the biggest possible matchup. While Arman should be next in line, for an International Fight Week headliner, Islam vs. Ilia is the fight to make. It would be a massive, huge fight.”
6. Ilia Topuria vs. Conor McGregor
“Imagine this! When Ilia tweeted something mysterious like, ‘You’ll never see it coming.’ Okay, Islam is somewhat predictable, but when you say ‘never see it coming,’ my mind immediately went to McGregor. Can you imagine the superstardom Ilia could reach by fighting and beating Conor McGregor? It would be unprecedented. People in America don’t fully grasp his superstar status, but in Spain, walking out at a Real Madrid game? He’s nationally recognized in Spain and Georgia. In Europe, he’s a massive star. America hasn`t fully seen it yet. But if he fights and defeats Conor, he`ll achieve global superstardom like never before. And for Conor? If he could defeat Ilia, talk about a career resurgence! This is more of a dream fight. We don’t know if Conor McGregor will fight again, but Ilia Topuria vs. Conor McGregor is an exciting idea.”
7. Tom Aspinall vs. Alex Pereira
“Let`s say the Jon Jones fight isn`t happening for International Fight Week, but Tom Aspinall is determined to fight. Why not Aspinall vs. Alex? Alex is always ready to step up and has talked about fighting at heavyweight. If you`re Tom Aspinall, you obviously want to fight Jon Jones for the undisputed title. Many see Aspinall as the uncrowned champion. But fighting Alex is a great option. It’s a winnable fight, it would generate a lot of interest and money, and if Tom Aspinall fights at International Fight Week, it would pressure the UFC to strip Jones of the title and make Aspinall undisputed champion.
“Would Aspinall accept this? Probably not, because he’s a competitor and wants to solidify himself as the true heavyweight champion by beating Jon Jones. But a fight with Alex is a huge, marquee event. It would create buzz, drive pay-per-view buys, and put pressure on Jon. Any Aspinall fight would force Jon`s hand. A fight with Alex would be a very fun main event for International Fight Week.”
8. Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili
“Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili would be a fantastic fight. Is it main event worthy for International Fight Week? Probably not. But as a co-main event, in case the main event falls through, it`s perfect. It would be a huge fight for women’s MMA.”
