UFC fans are buzzing with anticipation as UFC President Dana White is preparing to make a significant announcement.
Fans were left frustrated after UFC 315 this past weekend when Dana White skipped the post-fight press conference, potentially avoiding questions about the unannounced UFC 317 main event.
UFC 317, part of International Fight Week, is set for June 28 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. With tickets going on sale soon, the lack of a main event announcement this late is notably unusual.
Earlier this week, light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev stated he was offered a main event spot against Alex Pereira in a rematch.
Fan Speculation Rises Ahead of Dana White`s Announcement
This Tuesday, the UFC announced via social media that Dana White would go live later that day for a major announcement, fueling intense fan speculation that the UFC 317 main event would finally be revealed.
Following Islam Makhachev`s win at UFC 315, his next potential opponent is Jack Della Maddalena, but that fight seems unlikely to headline UFC 317 due to the short turnaround time.
However, the recent results have potentially paved the way for Ilia Topuria`s next bout, possibly against Charles Oliveira.
The status of this potential fight is uncertain; it could be for an interim lightweight title or simply a number one contender match.
Fans quickly took to social media platforms to share their predictions and hopes for the announcement. Here are some reactions:
“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 speculated.
Another commented, “Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall booked or stripping Jones. One or the other. Don’t care which at this point.”
A third fan reacted strongly, stating, “If it’s not Aspinall vs Jones we don’t care.”
Ongoing Predictions for the Imminent UFC Announcement
Separately, Jon Jones faced criticism from fans, with many calling him a `duck` during a recent Instagram live session, highlighting the desire for his next fight to be against the interim champion.
It appears many fans are strongly hoping the announcement will be a heavyweight title unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, especially following reports of Aspinall meeting with UFC officials.
Echoing the sentiment, another fan stated, “If this isn’t Aspinall and Jones, I give up.”
Yet another prediction combined multiple possibilities: “Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane and Topuria vs Oliveira for interim belts.”
Rupert Hartwell