Dana White surrenders to Topuria... and compares him to Muhammad Ali

The UFC boss is aware of the 'bug' he has on his hands. Dana White acknowledged, once again, that Ilia Topuria (17-0) is a superstar... to the point of comparing the 'Matador's' premonitions with those of Muhammad Ali.

"You couldn't do it better... it was like one of those Muhammad Ali ***. He said, 'I'm going to knock him out in the first round,' and he knocked him out," the American declared at the post-UFC 317 press conference at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. And Topuria, who many label as arrogant, simply advances his steps. And he never fails.

It was like one of those *** from Muhammad Ali. He said, "I'm going to knock him out in the first round," and he knocked him out

Dana White

"This kid is a star," was, in fact, the UFC boss's first reaction. Without any fuss, Ilia did as he promised and knocked out Charles Oliveira in the first round. He has six consecutive UFC bonuses and has finished, one by one, three legends such as Volkanovski, Holloway... and now 'Do Bronx'.

This kid is a star

Dana White

However, if there was one thing Dana didn't like, it was seeing Paddy Pimblett in the octagon, facing off with Ilia Topuria. He was not there (he was already on his way to the press conference) to prevent the Englishman from entering: "I don't know who the hell let Paddy in. That should never have happened."

I don't know who the hell let Paddy in. That should never have happened

Dana White

The other 'dream' fight for fans is Topuria vs. Makhachev... although the Dagestani is aiming for November against Jack Della Maddalena to be a double champion, albeit at welterweight. "I'd do that fight tomorrow," Dana joked, raising laughs in the press room. It would be the fight of the decade in the UFC. The best since Khabib vs. McGregor.