UFC enthusiasts are abuzz with anticipation following news that UFC President Dana White is set to deliver a significant announcement.
Fan frustration emerged after UFC 315 this past weekend when Dana White did not attend the post-fight press conference. This absence fueled speculation that he might be avoiding questions regarding the main event for UFC 317, which remains unannounced.
UFC 317 is scheduled as part of International Fight Week on June 28, taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. With tickets slated to go on sale this Friday, the announcement of the headlining bout is considerably later than usual for such a major event.
Earlier in the week, UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev indicated that he had been offered the opportunity to headline the event in a rematch against Alex Pereira.
Anticipation Builds as Fans Predict UFC 317 Headliner Ahead of Dana White`s Announcement
On Tuesday, the UFC heightened excitement by announcing on their social media channels that Dana White would be making a major live announcement later that day. This immediately led fans to believe the long-awaited UFC 317 main event would finally be revealed.
Following Islam Makhachev`s victory in the UFC 315 main event on Saturday, his next opponent is likely to be Jack Della Maddalena. However, a turnaround for June 28 is considered too quick for Makhachev to headline.
Nonetheless, Makhachev`s win potentially opens up Ilia Topuria`s next fight, which is now heavily rumored to be against Charles Oliveira.
There is currently uncertainty surrounding the potential Topuria vs. Oliveira clash – whether it would be contested for an interim lightweight title or serve as a number one contender`s bout.
“Probably gonna be what we already know. Ilia vs Charles for interim lightweight title, and maybe they’ll announce Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev date,” one fan commented, reflecting popular predictions.
Another fan speculated, “Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall booked or stripping Jones. One or the other. Don’t care which at this point.”
A third fan succinctly reacted, “If it’s not Aspinall vs Jones we don’t care.”
Adding to the speculation, Jon Jones faced criticism from thousands of fans during a morning Instagram live session, with many calling him a ‘duck’ regarding a potential fight with Tom Aspinall.
Fans Persist in Predicting the UFC`s Imminent Major Announcement
It is clear that the majority of fans are hopeful the announcement will confirm a heavyweight title unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. This anticipation has been further fueled by Aspinall`s recent meeting with UFC officials.
“If this isn’t Aspinall and Jones, I give up,” another disappointed fan stated.
Another prediction offered was, “Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane and Topuria vs Oliveira for interim belts,” suggesting multiple potential interim title fights could be announced.
Percy Harlow