While it`s often challenging to compare any combat sports athlete to a legendary figure like Muhammad Ali, UFC President Dana White admitted the comparison felt fitting after Ilia Topuria`s performance at UFC 317, where he made good on his pre-fight promise.
Leading up to his bout against Charles Oliveira on Saturday night, Topuria boldly predicted a dominant first-round knockout that would secure him the vacant lightweight title. This prediction proved accurate. Topuria landed a powerful right hook that effectively knocked out the former champion, following up with a left hand to definitively finish the fight.
Topuria was already gaining significant momentum, having achieved similar impressive victories over featherweight icons Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. However, White was particularly struck by Topuria`s ability to follow through on his specific prediction of finishing Oliveira in under five minutes.
Speaking at the UFC 317 post-fight press conference, White stated, “Looking at his last three fights, tonight felt like his major coming-out party. He moved up in weight, won another title, and did it in spectacular fashion.”
“It was reminiscent of Muhammad Ali saying, `I`m going to knock him out in the first round,` and then doing it in such a devastating way,” White added. “I believe tonight was his moment. We definitely have a star on our hands.”
Even before this latest win, Topuria was already seen as a potential future face of the UFC. This role is crucial for the promotion, especially with past major stars like Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, and even Jon Jones having moved on or being less active.
While the UFC continues to generate substantial revenue and anticipates 2026 being a landmark year due to a new broadcast deal,
Topuria now provides the organization with a highly marketable champion. His undefeated record and fan-pleasing fighting style make him an attractive figure capable of driving significant ticket sales and pay-per-views.
White expressed his admiration, remarking, “He did exactly what he said he would do. He is a completely well-rounded fighter – his striking is beautiful, his ground game, his grappling, everything. This kid is a star.”
“There`s no question about it,” White concluded. “You could clearly feel the energy in the building tonight. It was a major fight. And again, to go in there, state exactly what you`re going to accomplish, and then execute it precisely as he did, is truly impressive.”
