Dana White Sees Enough Spark in Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett Matchup to Headline a Numbered Event
Given the hype behind the Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett matchup, Dana White declared it as a potent numbered event headliner.
UFC CEO Dana White seems to be well aware of massive anticipation in the community regarding the Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett encounter. Considering the scenario, White counted the touted Topuria vs. Pimblett matchup as a viable choice even to headine a numbered UFC event.
Dana White Portrayed Hype Behind Topuria vs. Pimblett in Revelation
The beef between Topuria and Pimblett may have begun in 2021, but the chances of a clash between the two materialized only after Topuria's move up to lightweight after UFC 308. The UFC realized the massive anticipation behind the encounter and hence organized an in-cage face-off between the two after Topuria captured UFC the lightweight gold at UFC 317.
Topuria lost his momentum and the lightweight title after an agonizing defeat at UFC Freedom 250, which also put a question mark on the materialization of this touted fight. However, White still feels that there's enough hype about the Topuria vs. Pimblett encounter to announce it as the prime attraction of a numbered UFC event.
During his recent interview with Paramount+, White answered whether the aforementioned fight can be the headliner of a numbered event, saying, "The answer is, Yes. That fight is massive." The UFC CEO also made a revelation to portray the amount of hype in the community about the encounter.
He said, "That's all everybody has been asking me, 'What's going to happen? Topuria wants to come back.'"
Dana White is excited for whoever faces Ilia Topuria next š
ā UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) September 10, 2026
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Nevertheless, White refrained from confirming that Topuria would fight Pimblett in his comeback encounter. He considered the Topuria vs. Gaethje rematch as another viable option, and mentioned how picking Topuria's comeback opponent had become a "problem."
"Let me tell you this. It's a good problem to have," said the UFC CEO. "Which one, Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett? So, whichever direction this ends up going in, we all win."
White recently revealed that Topuria is all set for his return encounter. In such a situation, his aformentioned words somewhat confirm that the Spaniard will find either Gaethje or Pimblett standing across the octagon on the night. The UFC probably isn't considering anyone else for the spot.
