Dana White drops UFC bombshell: “we’re doing it”

Dana White set off a shockwave across the UFC on Tuesday with several major announcements, including a lightweight title fight between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria, scheduled for June 28, 2025. The belt will be vacant because Islam Makhachev is moving up to welterweight to challenge newly crowned champion Jack Della Maddalena at a later date.

What UFC fights has White announced?

But White wasn’t done there. He also revealed that South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis will defend his middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 319 in Chicago on August 18.

Chimaev, 31, burst onto the scene in 2020 with three consecutive wins. Over the next four years, he added five more, including victories over Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman, and a first-round submission of Robert Whittaker – cementing his place as a top contender at middleweight. “Borz” will finally get his shot at Du Plessis.

What about Jones vs Aspinall?

While fans were expecting confirmation of Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall as the headline fight on June 28, that announcement didn’t materialize. However, White made it clear the bout is coming.

“I already told you we’re doing Aspinall vs Jones. The heavyweight fight is happening. Just relax – I’ll announce it soon,” said White during an Instagram Live session where he shared all the matchups.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.