Dana White criticizes Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett UFC 317 faceoff: 'should’ve never happened'

Unauthorized UFC 317 faceoff sparks backlash from Dana White

UFC 317 delivered notable performances and crowd-pleasing moments, but an unsanctioned post-fight faceoff drew criticism from UFC President Dana White. Following his first-round knockout win in the main event, Ilia Topuria shared a tense faceoff and brief physical exchange with lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett inside the Octagon at T-Mobile Arena.

White, speaking at the post-fight press conference, said he had already left his cageside position when the confrontation took place and disapproved of the incident.

Also read: UFC 317 complete results: winners, runners‑up and main card earnings breakdown


"I don't know who the hell let him in there," White told reporters, including MMA Junkie. "That should've never happened. Let's start there. I was already back in my room, or that would've never happened."

Topuria's win marked his second UFC title across two weight classes, elevating his profile in the promotion’s lightweight division. However, White underscored that such celebratory moments should be managed with greater care.

"My thing with Topuria is his wife and kid are in the octagon. That's not the fight. It's just, yeah. It shouldn't happen. That's not really what we do. I don't really give a sh*t if it's fun to watch or not. That shouldn't have happened. Plus, he wins a second title in a higher division. It was a bad call by whoever let him in there."

Approved faceoff between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja

The unauthorized faceoff stood in contrast to a sanctioned one earlier in the evening. After Alexandre Pantoja defended his flyweight title against Kai Kara-France in the co-main event, No. 1 contender Joshua Van entered the cage for a planned faceoff.

White clarified the distinction, noting that Van’s appearance followed his announcement that the winner of the bout would earn a future title shot.

Also read: Ilia Topuria defeats Charles Oliveira by first-round knockout at UFC 317 main event

"(Van) is the No. 1 contender, and I just said the winner of that fight will get a title shot, so obviously the fans wanted it, too," White said.

The juxtaposition of these two moments raised questions about the UFC's internal protocols during high-profile events, particularly when family members are present in the Octagon.

UFC lightweight division title picture remains unclear

Despite the confrontation, White did not confirm whether Paddy Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) would face Ilia Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) next. The lightweight division remains competitive, with top contenders Arman Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) and Justin Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) actively campaigning for title shots.

Tsarukyan served as a backup fighter for UFC 317’s lightweight title bout, further complicating the path forward for potential challengers.