Ilia Topuria's dominant performance at UFC 317, where he knocked out former champion Charles Oliveira, has positioned him as a top contender in the UFC lightweight division. UFC President Dana White expressed high praise, likening Topuria's potential to MMA legends like Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor. The event, part of International Fight Week at the T-Mobile Arena, also featured Joshua Van’s title shot announcement after earning Fight of the Night honors. White's reactions included disappointment over a face-off between Topuria and rival Paddy Pimblett, emphasizing control over match-making decisions.
...you obviously felt the energy in the building tonight. It was a big fight. And again, to go in and say exactly what you're going to do and then do it the way that he did it, is impressive.
I don't know who the hell let him in there, that should have never happened, let's start there. I was already back in my room or that would have never happened.
Literally, to be in a Fight of the Night situation, you had to have done something right, and those two guys delivered in a big way.
He's won five fights in nine months and is red hot.
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