UFC 317 prelims set to fire up Las Vegas during International Fight Week
LAS VEGAS — The UFC returns to its hometown for the biggest celebration of the year: International Fight Week 2025, capped off by the action-packed UFC 317 event at T-Mobile Arena this Saturday night. While two title fights will headline the main card later in the evening, the preliminary matchups are already making waves — and Las Vegas fight fans are in for a treat.
Fight Week in full swing
UFC 317 marks the final event on the UFC’s June calendar and continues the long-standing tradition of International Fight Week, which brings fighters, fans, and celebrities from around the world to the heart of Las Vegas. UFC CEO Dana White returns to home turf to deliver a stacked card, and the buildup is reaching its peak.
Live coverage of the event begins with early prelims at 3:30 p.m. PT (6:30 p.m. ET), available globally on UFC Fight Pass. The late prelims follow at 5:00 p.m. PT on ESPN and ESPN+, and the five-fight main card kicks off at 7:00 p.m. PT.
Let’s break down the most exciting matchups from the preliminary slate.
Featured prelim: Jack Hermansson vs. Gregory Rodrigues
The top bout on the prelim card features a middleweight showdown between seasoned contenders Jack Hermansson (24-8) and Gregory “Robocop” Rodrigues (16-6).
Hermansson enters UFC 317 following a long 16-month layoff. His last outing came in February 2024, when he defeated rising prospect Joe Pyfer by unanimous decision at the UFC Apex in Enterprise, NV. Hermansson has gone 3-2 over his last five fights — but after such a lengthy absence, the big question is whether he’ll shake off the ring rust in time.
Rodrigues, on the other hand, fought more recently. He’s also 3-2 in his last five but suffered a tough loss to Jared Cannonier by fourth-round KO in UFC Vegas 102 this past February. Still, with a quicker turnaround, Rodrigues may come in sharper — and more motivated to bounce back.
Will Hermansson’s experience carry the day, or will Rodrigues’ aggression and momentum be too much?
Co-featured prelim: Hyder Amil vs. Jose Delgado
Next up, featherweights clash in a fast-rising bout between Hyder Amil (11-0) and Jose Delgado (9-1). Amil remains undefeated and is coming off a razor-thin split decision win against William Gomis in March.
Delgado made waves in February with a stunning first-round knockout of Connor Matthews, and now steps into just his second UFC bout, already earning a spot on the late prelims of a major pay-per-view.
This co-feature has “future contender” written all over it. Both men are looking to solidify themselves as threats in the 145-pound division.
Ranked flyweights face off: Viviane Araujo vs. Tracy Cortez
Another standout matchup on the prelims features a ranked battle in the women’s flyweight division between #8 Viviane Araujo (13-6) and #10 Tracy Cortez (11-2).
Araujo is looking to build momentum after a decision win over Karine Silva at UFC 309 in New York. She hasn’t had a true win streak since 2017–2019, so this fight could mark a turning point.
Cortez enters UFC 317 aiming to rebound from her July 2024 loss to Rose Namajunas. With a 4-1 record over her last five fights, a win here could push her closer to a title shot.
Final thoughts
Las Vegas has always been the UFC’s spiritual home — and International Fight Week continues to showcase why. From seasoned veterans like Jack Hermansson to undefeated prospects like Hyder Amil, UFC 317’s prelims are loaded with storylines, stakes, and serious firepower.
Which fight are you most excited about? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for our main card preview coming soon to VegasEncyclopedia.
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Category: Sports, Nighlife, Local News
Subcategory: Sporting Events
Date: 06/26/2025
