Dana White participated in a UFC video game session with blogger Adin Ross, with White controlling Ilia Topuria and Ross choosing Arman Tsarukyan. During the gameplay, Topuria was knocked out, forcing White to apologize after the virtual loss. The session appears to have been a casual promotional activity or content creation opportunity. This type of celebrity gaming content is becoming increasingly common in UFC promotion.
UFC President Dana White found himself on the losing end of a virtual matchup during a video game session with popular internet personality Adin Ross, with White's chosen fighter Ilia Topuria getting knocked out in the simulation. White reportedly apologized following the in-game defeat, which took place as part of what appears to be a casual content creation session.
The real-life version of Topuria is currently ranked number one in the pound-for-pound standings and sits second in the lightweight division with a professional record of 17-1-0. The 29-year-old Spanish fighter, known as "El Matador," trains out of Climent Club and stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach. He lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy and also adds a takedown threat, averaging 1.96 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Controlling the opposing avatar, Ross selected Arman Tsarukyan, the top-ranked lightweight contender in the division. The 29-year-old Russian fighter, nicknamed "Ahalkalakets," carries a record of 23-3-0 and trains at American Top Team. Tsarukyan shares Topuria's five-foot-seven height but holds a notable reach advantage at 72 inches. He is one of the division's most active wrestlers, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes, and lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute with a 50 percent accuracy rate.
Why it matters
- Topuria and Tsarukyan are ranked first and second in the lightweight division, making any content featuring both fighters relevant to the title picture
- The session puts renewed attention on a potential matchup between two of the division's top contenders
- Celebrity gaming collaborations are becoming a regular part of UFC's promotional and social media strategy
