Comparing any fighter to a legendary figure like Muhammad Ali is often challenging, but Dana White admitted it was difficult to avoid the comparison after Ilia Topuria delivered exactly what he promised at UFC 317.
Before his bout against Charles Oliveira on Saturday, Topuria confidently predicted a brutal first-round knockout that would secure him the vacant lightweight championship following Islam Makhachev`s departure from the division. His prediction became reality when Topuria landed a powerful right hook that effectively stopped the former champion, followed by a left hand for good measure to seal the fight.
Topuria was already gaining significant traction as a rising star, having achieved similar impressive wins against featherweight veterans Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. Nevertheless, White expressed astonishment at how precisely Topuria executed his promise to finish Oliveira within the opening round.
Speaking at the UFC 317 post-fight press conference, White commented, “When you look at his last three fights, tonight felt like his true breakout moment. He moved up a weight class to claim another title and did it in spectacular fashion.”
“It was like something out of [Muhammad] Ali`s playbook, declaring `I`m going to knock him out in the first round` and then delivering a savage first-round knockout. I believe tonight was his defining moment. We have a legitimate star on our hands.”
Even before his latest win, Topuria was on a trajectory to potentially become a leading figure for the UFC – a role the promotion has been looking to fill as past icons such as Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, and even Jon Jones have become less active in the sport.
The UFC continues to generate substantial revenue, and with upcoming broadcast agreements, 2026 is anticipated to be a record-breaking year for the organization.
Importantly, Topuria provides the UFC with a highly marketable champion who holds an undefeated record and possesses an exciting fighting style that makes him a prime attraction for selling tickets and pay-per-views.
White expressed his admiration for Topuria, remarking, “He accomplished exactly what he said he would. He is an incredibly well-rounded fighter. His striking is excellent, his ground game, grappling, everything. This kid is a star.”
“There`s no doubt about it,” White continued. “You could clearly sense the energy in the arena tonight. It was a major fight. Again, to step in there, state precisely what you intend to do, and then execute it in the manner that he did, is truly impressive.”
