After a thrilling night at the Honda Center in Anaheim, UFC's Dana White shared exciting updates and reflections with the press. The evening was not just about the fights; it marked UFC 298 as the arena's most lucrative event and set a new record for MMA events in California, pulling in a whopping $7.26 million at the gate with 18,186 fans in attendance.
Diving into the action, White couldn't hide his admiration for Ilia Topuria's stunning victory over featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski. The win sparked talks of the UFC making its debut in Spain, with White expressing keen interest if the right venue is found.
The co-main event wasn't short of praise either, as former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker battled it out with Paulo Costa. White commended both fighters for their exceptional performance, noting Costa's fiery comeback since his fight with Rockhold.
Looking ahead, White revealed the much-anticipated headliner for UFC 300: light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira versus Jamahal Hill. He also clarified that Conor McGregor was not considered for the main event this time around, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement in arranging fights.
White also touched on the unique experience of Mark Zuckerberg walking out with Volkanovski, emphasizing the unforgettable moments the UFC offers to fans and participants alike.
The focus then shifted back to Topuria's impressive win and future prospects, including a potential face-off with McGregor. However, White remained cautious about McGregor's return to the featherweight division, acknowledging the complexities that fame and financial obligations bring to scheduling fights.
Wrapping up, White discussed McGregor's current engagements, including a movie project, and expressed hope for his return to the octagon within the year, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what's next in the dynamic world of UFC.