Criticism Around Dana White’s UFC Pushed Aside as Joe Rogan Cites Ilia Topuria Example

UFC veteran Joe Rogan defends Dana White by giving an example of Ilia Topuria amidst the criticism around UFC’s boring and lackluster fights.

Criticism Around Dana White’s UFC Pushed Aside as Joe Rogan Cites Ilia Topuria Example

Joe Rogan credits Ilia Topuria as Dana White receives criticism (via Imago/X)

As a leading MMA organization, the UFC must deliver exciting fights consistently to maintain its reputation and loyal global fanbase. Still, fans often express disappointment when events lack dramatic finishes or feature fights that fail to live up to expectations. Despite criticism, veteran commentator Joe Rogan believes today’s UFC offers the most skilled and evolved fighters in promotional history.

Rogan has served the UFC for over twenty years, witnessing greatness and evolution firsthand inside the octagon every major weekend. He’s seen legends rise and fall, but remains fascinated by the sport’s constant growth and elite talent like never before. On his latest podcast, Rogan praised Ilia Topuria while discussing the new generation’s hunger, precision, and well-rounded fight IQ.

That guy knocked out two of the greatest featherweights of all time. Nobody could knock out those guys in featherweight before, and he did it and he made it look easy. Now he’s moving up to 155 pounds….This is an amazing time for the sport. It’s a crazy time because these guys that are coming in with one fight in the UFC look like world-class contenders right away.

Joe Rogan via JRE

These comments surface while fans express growing concerns about UFC’s direction and the quality of its weekly fight cards. Many criticize the continued reliance on UFC Apex events, which often lack the atmosphere and excitement of large arena shows. Recent pay-per-views like UFC 312 and UFC 315 disappointed fans, especially considering the steep costs of subscriptions and live tickets.

Dana White has often failed to book highly anticipated super fights like Ilia Topuria versus reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Fans are also frustrated with the continued delay in the heavyweight unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.

Still, UFC 317 during International Fight Week has reignited excitement, promising an electrifying card with major stakes and high-level matchups. The PPV event also includes an exciting flyweight title fight between reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja and challenger Kai Kara-France.

Heading into the bout, Pantoja is the clear betting favorite due to his dominant performances and versatile championship-caliber skill set. With several high-stakes matchups on the card, this event could finally deliver the thrilling wars fans have long been craving.

UFC veteran predicts Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira at UFC 317

Earlier this year, Ilia Topuria vacated his featherweight title to pursue a legacy-defining clash with pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev. Unfortunately, Makhachev’s sudden move to the welterweight division resulted in the cancellation of their highly anticipated super fight showdown.

Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira at UFC 317
Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 (via XImago)

Following that, Topuria accused the Dagestani of ducking him, though he eventually secured a lightweight title shot against Charles Oliveira. Going into the fight, the former featherweight champion is the betting favorite due to his incredible knockout power. However, the Brazilian is confident in his skills to get back the lightweight championship.

In a recent interview, UFC veteran Dustin Poirier shared his prediction for the bout. In the past, ‘The Diamond’ was extremely praiseworthy of the Georgian-Spanish fighter. Meanwhile, Oliveira denied Poirier the opportunity to win the undisputed UFC gold in his second attempt. As such, the veteran relied on his experience with the Brazilian superstar while predicting the outcome.

I think Ilia man. I think he’s gonna be way undersized against Charles. I just don’t see, unless Charles can sub him, maybe if he [Oliveira] hurts him but it’s gonna be tough I think cause Charles gets hit a lot you know. Ilia puts people away. I’m excited about it.

Dustin Poirier via Full Violence

Oliveira holds a significant edge in experience and possesses one of the most dangerous submission arsenals in UFC history. However, his questionable chin remains a vulnerability, especially against Topuria’s explosive power and crisp, technical striking combinations.

At UFC 269, the Brazilian superstar was knocked down by Dustin Poirier with crisp combinations. However, Oliveira found a way out to emerge victorious, something he has done multiple times in his career. As such, fans are eager to see whether ‘Do Bronx’ can overcome adversity once again and deliver an unexpected victory on fight night.

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