We’re Still Waiting, Dana…
The wait for a big-fight announcement will soon be over!…
With UFC rumors and upcoming super fights tied to the outcome of this past weekend’s UFC 315 main event and the importance of its implications on the UFC schedule, fans were left seething when Dana White failed to turn up to the post-fight press conference.
With no announcement involving Islam Makhachev, his potential move to 170 lbs, and Ilia Topuria’s debut opponent in the lightweight division, despite having the result the UFC needed, it’s safe to say that many of us were pissed.
Now, three days out from UFC 315, we’re becoming desperate to know what the UFC has planned, as well as who’s going to headline UFC 317 for International Fight Week this June.
Fear not, the social UFC social media team dropped a bombshell earlier today, and it seems like a huge announcement is imminent.
There’s a NEW champ in town 🤠
Who do you want to see Jack Della Maddalena in the Octagon with next? #UFC315 pic.twitter.com/nvZwZAewak
— UFC (@ufc) May 13, 2025
Dana White Announcement Coming Later Today
Today, the UFC took to their social media to drop a little teaser: Dana White is going live later today to spill some big UFC news. Naturally, fans, including myself, are buzzing with speculation that we might finally get the scoop on the main event for UFC 317!
After the UFC 315 main event this past Saturday, it seems like Islam Makhachev’s next dance partner might be Jack Della Maddalena. But let’s be real, headlining on June 28 feels a bit rushed.
🚨 DANA ANNOUCNEMENT INCOMING 🚨
The Boss Man (@DanaWhite) will be going LIVE on Instagram later today! 👀
— UFC (@ufc) May 13, 2025
Well, it seems that the outcome has now set the stage for Ilia Topuria’s next showdown, which will probably be with Charles Oliveira.
Right now, it’s a bit of a mystery whether this showdown will be for an interim lightweight title or if they’re just duking it out for the number one contender spot. But as ‘El Matador’ previously stated, he will not make his 155 lb debut unless it’s for gold!
What every Ilia Topuria fan should be scared of for UFC 317 😤😤😤 pic.twitter.com/31LTddDhTg
— Ben Davis (@BenTheBaneDavis) May 13, 2025
Alex Pereira Is Done Saving the Day
It’s insane that UFC 317 is still without a main event announcement when tickets go on sale this Friday! It’s scheduled to take place at the T-Mobile Arena on June 28, but in the history of International Fight Week, it’s never taken matchmakers this long to announce UFC fights for the event’s headliner.
Last year, Alex Pereira defended his light heavyweight championship on short notice against Jiri Prochazka to save the event. To no surprise, Poatan finished the Czech inside two hours, but more interestingly, it was one of three events over a 12-month period going back to last year where the Brazilian legend had saved the UFC’s skin.
Finding out Alex Pereira is refusing to save UFC 317 🙁 pic.twitter.com/cuocEurwel
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) May 13, 2025
2025, however, tells a different story. The UFC doesn’t have Pereira to rely on, and rightfully so. After losing his 205lb gold to Magomed Anklaev earlier this year, it would seem that Poatan wants more time to recover and train before accepting the rematch.
In fact, Ankalaev has stated that he was offered a rematch with Pereira at UFC 317, but the former champ refused.
🚨 The UFC reached out to Alex Pereira to headline #UFC317 against Magomed Ankalaev but Alex wasn’t available for that date
The UFC currently don’t have a main event for International Fight Week
(per @arielhelwani) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/ToWMauJFsX
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 12, 2025
If anyone can refuse a fight, I think Pereira has earned that right. Plus, we’re desperate to see El Matador return to action, and no matter who stands in front of him, his name would be huge for international fight week.
Who do you think will headline UFC 317? Personally, I’m hoping for a Tom Aspinall announcement (British bias, of course). And no, I don’t believe it’ll be Jon Jones, but our boy needs to stay active, and Ciryl Gane is another head he can add to the resume.
“HEY GUYS WE GOT IT DONE, ISLAM VS ILIA IS SET FOR UFC 317, JON JONES VS TOM ASPINALL HAS BEEN SIGNED FOR A LATER DATE.
AND KHAMZAT VS DRICUS DU PLESSIS ALSO SIGNED” pic.twitter.com/40XBVai7Yk— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) May 13, 2025
Either way, based on the UFC’s announcement today, the wait for a big-fight announcement will soon be over!
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