Dana White has a new obsession—and it’s not the UFC or even Powerslap. Earlier this year, the UFC CEO mourned the loss of his beloved PBR bull, Twisted Steel, who passed away around New Year’s due to undisclosed reasons. But now, as both the UFC and PBR make their return to Kansas City, the Bossman seems to have moved on, with a new four-legged star stealing the spotlight. Enter Playmate, White’s latest bull acquisition. Proudly announcing the news on social media, the Bossman wrote, “My boy Dana White’s Playmate is on his way to PBR, Kansas City.”
Not stopping there, he even launched an Instagram account dedicated to the bull—aptly named Dana White’s Playmate—where he’s been flooding fans with updates and behind-the-scenes content. And that’s exactly where things started to boil over. While White’s social media is flooded with bull-riding excitement, UFC fans are growing increasingly impatient. With UFC 317 and International Fight Week rapidly approaching in June, the demand for a full-fight card reveal is only intensifying, especially with only three bouts confirmed.
Speculation around blockbuster matchups like Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall, Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria, and Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev has only amplified the anticipation, yet the top brass has remained tight-lipped with no official confirmations. One frustrated fan summed up the sentiment perfectly: “Who cares about your cow. Announce the fight.” Fans flooded White’s comments with similar demands, but true to form, White clapped back in the most Dana White way possible: “LMFAO!!!!! I’m NEVER announcing it. How handsome is that BULL!?!? SAY IT.”
While fans eagerly await fight news, the UFC has begun revealing parts of its upcoming event lineup, including the recently confirmed UFC Baku, set to take place in Azerbaijan just one week before the highly anticipated UFC 317. So far, UFC Baku is the only card with any official details. Early rumors pointed to Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev/Charles Oliveira headlining the International Fight Week event, but nothing has been locked in.
Likewise, speculation around a Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis clash also made headlines after a report claimed ‘Stillknocks’ had withdrawn due to a “broken shin.” However, the South African wasted no time putting the rumors to rest. The middleweight champion took to social media to set the record straight:
“I found it all very entertaining,” Dricus Du Plessis wrote. “Unfortunately, none of it is true. Myself and @ufc have already discussed a fight date and opponent. The June fight was never signed. I did not pull out of any fight. I am the champion—I know when I fight. As for you, contender, just show up when we tell you to. Fight announcement coming soon. Stay tuned.”
With the South African champ’s latest statement clearing the air, the year’s highly anticipated clash between Makhachev and Topuria is starting to heat up. Multiple MMA media outlets have fueled rumors that Topuria will make an appearance at UFC International Fight Week. Let’s see what the latest developments are on this exciting matchup!
Will Dana White Book Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev for UFC 317?
“The camp has begun,” Ilia Topuria posted this week on X, setting the MMA world ablaze with speculation. With UFC 317 locked in for June 28 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, fans are now convinced the undefeated and former featherweight champion is gearing up for a high-stakes return. Fueling the fire, rumors are swirling that ‘La Leyenda’ could challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title—a superfight that would headline UFC’s International Fight Week. Despite growing chatter from media outlets, Dana White & Co. has remained tight-lipped about any official matchup.
Then came the bombshell. Spanish journalist Alvaro Colmenero took to X with a bold claim: “Ilia Topuria will be fighting at International Fight Week, for a title I am told.” The news sent shockwaves across MMA circles, especially since Makhachev’s camp had previously dismissed a bout with Topuria, insisting the Georgian-Spanish hadn’t yet earned a crack at 155lbs.
Complicating things further, fresh speculation suggests Makhachev may be eyeing a move to welterweight. If that shift becomes reality, it could leave the lightweight title vacant, clearing a path for Topuria to fight for gold without facing the reigning champ. But if it’s not Makhachev across from Topuria, who could it be? Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan are both being tossed around as potential options for UFC 317.
With the lightweight division in flux and speculation heating up, who do you think should be next for ‘La Leyenda’ at UFC 317? Sound off in the comments below.
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