Comparing any athlete to a legendary figure like Muhammad Ali is typically approached with caution, but UFC President Dana White admitted he couldn`t help but draw the parallel after Ilia Topuria delivered on his bold prediction at UFC 317.
Ahead of his highly anticipated clash with Charles Oliveira on Saturday night, Topuria confidently stated he would secure a brutal first-round knockout to claim the vacant lightweight championship, left open after Islam Makhachev moved divisions. True to his word, Topuria landed a devastating right hook that effectively knocked Oliveira out, quickly followed by a left hand to seal the official finish.
Topuria was already gaining significant traction, having previously defeated featherweight veterans Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. However, his decisive victory over Oliveira, achieved precisely as predicted and within the first five minutes, truly impressed White.
At the UFC 317 post-fight press conference, White remarked, “If you look at what he’s accomplished in his last three fights, tonight was like his big coming out party. Moved up to win another title and did it in spectacular fashion.”
White specifically highlighted the comparison to Ali, saying, “Like some [Muhammad] Ali sh*t saying ‘I’m going to knock him out in the first round’ and viciously knocks him out in the first round. I think tonight was his big night. We have a star on our hands.”
Even prior to this recent win, Topuria was seen as a strong candidate to become the UFC`s next major face – a role the promotion is keen to fill following the reduced activity or departures of former headliners like Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, and Jon Jones.
While the UFC continues to generate substantial revenue and is poised for a record-setting year in 2026, partly driven by a new broadcast rights deal, Topuria`s emergence is particularly timely.
With his undefeated record and fan-favorite aggressive style, he represents an exceptionally marketable champion capable of driving significant ticket and pay-per-view sales.
White didn`t hide his admiration, stating, “He did exactly what he said he’s going to do. He is an absolute complete fighter. His standup is beautiful, ground, grappling, everything. This kid’s a star.”
He concluded by emphasizing the atmosphere and Topuria`s performance: “There’s no doubt about it. You obviously felt the energy in the building tonight. It was a big fight. Again, to go in and say exactly what you’re going to do and then do it in the way that he did it, is impressive.”
