Ilia Topuria made history at UFC 317 by becoming the first undefeated fighter to secure championships in two different weight divisions in the UFC. His dominant first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira earned him the vacant lightweight title and solidified his place in the promotion’s record books.
Topuria’s victory was marked by a striking combination that overwhelmed Oliveira in under three minutes, displaying the skill and accuracy he had promised leading into the fight. This achievement distinguishes him from other multi-division champions like Jon Jones, Conor McGregor, Amanda Nunes, and Daniel Cormier, who all suffered losses during their careers.
During UFC 317, Topuria’s performance impressed Dana White, who compared the Georgian-Spaniard’s confidence and precision to legends of boxing such as Muhammad Ali. The knockout confirmed Topuria’s remarkable rise and his growing influence within the MMA community.
Joe Rogan Considers Breaking Tradition to Attend UFC Event in Spain
Long known for his policy of not traveling internationally for UFC broadcasts, Joe Rogan revealed that Ilia Topuria’s latest triumph might change this stance. After witnessing Topuria’s knockout win, Rogan expressed openness to making an exception, mentioning Spain as a possible destination.
Rogan, who has served as the UFC’s prominent commentator for many years, has been selective with the events he attends, guided partly by contract terms. However, Topuria’s rapid rise and compelling presence appear to be encouraging Rogan to consider attending a UFC event abroad.
At the UFC 317 post-fight show, Rogan remarked,
“UFC could be coming to Spain in the Santiago Bernabéu. I might have to go to Spain.”
This statement hints at anticipation for an expansion of UFC’s footprint into Spain, potentially drawing Rogan to make his debut in the country’s iconic stadium.
Dana White Criticizes T-Mobile Arena Conditions After UFC 317
UFC President Dana White voiced strong discontent with the state of the T-Mobile Arena following UFC 317, openly criticizing the facility’s infrastructure during the post-fight press conference. He described the venue as a makeshift setup, emphasizing the need for significant improvements to match the scale of hosted events.
White’s frustration was focused on the ongoing delays in constructing a permanent, world-class venue at the site, especially given its role in premiering both major UFC fights and high-profile boxing matches, including the upcoming Canelo Alvarez vs. Terrance Crawford bout.
At the press conference, White declared,
“Crazy, this is insane, [like] World War II started, bro. And I got a question. I got a question… T-Mobile and MGM, when are you going to build a real f*cking building out here so we’re not in a tent? This is crazy. How long’s this been going on and we’re still in a fu*king tent?”
His words called on arena operators and MGM to finally deliver the necessary upgrades.
Implications of Topuria’s Victory and UFC’s Future in Spain
Ilia Topuria’s historic accomplishment as the first undefeated double champion marks a new chapter in UFC legacy, setting a high standard for future competitors. His victories not only elevate his own career but also signal the promotion’s expanding global appeal, particularly in Europe.
The possibility of Joe Rogan attending a UFC event in Spain suggests that the organization is exploring new international markets, with the Santiago Bernabéu stadium emerging as a potential venue for major events. Such expansion could increase UFC’s visibility and fan base in Spain and beyond.
Meanwhile, Dana White’s comments spotlight pressing concerns about venue quality and readiness, underscoring the importance of investing in infrastructure to support the UFC’s growing spectacle and maintain its status as a premier combat sports organization. Addressing these issues will be crucial as UFC continues to host high-profile events worldwide.