UFC 317 vs. Jake Paul Fight Night: Top 5 Must-Watch Fights This Weekend

Combat sports fans are in for a rare doubleheader of high-stakes action this Saturday, June 28. UFC 317 features two title fights and multiple contender matchups on ESPN+ PPV, while Jake Paul headlines a DAZN boxing card against Julio César Chávez Jr., a former world champion.

Whether you’re a die-hard MMA fan, a boxing enthusiast, or someone looking to place a smart bet, this weekend offers elite talent, big narratives, and real stakes across both fight cards.

Here are the top 5 must-watch fights this weekend and why they deserve your attention.

1. Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr. (Main Event – DAZN PPV)

Time: ~11:00 PM ET | Platform: DAZN PPV Weight Class: Cruiserweight (10 Rounds)

Jake Paul is back in the ring, this time facing his most experienced boxing opponent to date. Chávez Jr. is a former WBC middleweight champion and the son of a Mexican legend. Paul is a sizable favorite at –700, but fans and bettors alike are curious: is this the fight where Paul finally meets his match?

From a betting standpoint, Paul by decision (–125) is the favorite, but Paul by KO/TKO (+155) remains an appealing prop given Paul is targeting fading stars with questionable cardio.

2. Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France (UFC 317 Co-Main – Flyweight Title Fight)

Time: ~10:30 PM ET | Platform: ESPN+ PPV Weight Class: Flyweight (5 Rounds)

The flyweight title is on the line as champion Alexandre Pantoja faces knockout artist Kai Kara-France. Pantoja brings dominant grappling and a seven-fight win streak, while Kara-France earned this shot with a thunderous KO over Steve Erceg.

If Pantoja gets this fight to the ground, a submission feels inevitable.

3. Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira (UFC 317 Main Event – Lightweight Title Fight)

Time: ~11:45 PM ET | Platform: ESPN+ PPV Weight Class: Lightweight (5 Rounds)

Ilia Topuria’s rise through the lightweight division has been electric. Now he meets Charles Oliveira, one of the most dangerous finishers in UFC history, for the vacant belt.

Topuria is favored to win, but Oliveira’s experience and submission arsenal are serious threats.

4. Holly Holm vs. Yolanda Vega (Jake Paul Undercard – Lightweight Bout)

Time: ~8:30 PM ET | Platform: DAZN PPV Weight Class: Lightweight

Former UFC bantamweight champion Holly Holm returns to the ring in a rare boxing appearance, facing up-and-comer Yolanda Vega. This bout is compelling for one reason: does Holm still have it? Fans will be tuning in not just to see if she can win, but whether she still has the sharpness, cardio, and ring generalship that once made her a star.

5. Brandon Royval vs. Joshua Van (UFC 317 Main Card – Flyweight Contenders)

Time: ~9:30 PM ET | Platform: ESPN+ PPV Weight Class: Flyweight (3 Rounds)

This could be the fight that shapes the next flyweight title challenger. Brandon Royval, currently ranked No. 2, faces rising 23-year-old Joshua Van, who’s riding a four-fight win streak in the UFC.

Van leads the division in significant strikes per minute, but Royval’s unorthodox striking and submission threat make this a true test for the prospect. It’s a coin-flip fight that promises high-paced violence from start to finish.

Final Thoughts: Fight Night for All Corners of Combat Sports

This weekend offers a rare chance to watch both boxing and MMA deliver meaningful, high-level bouts in primetime. UFC 317 gives us championship stakes and rising stars, while Jake Paul’s DAZN event brings mainstream intrigue and the return of legends like Holly Holm.