UFC president Dana White addressed the altercation between Illia Topuria and Josh Hawkit that occurred during UFC 328. White noted that both Topuria and Alex Pereira are usually calm fighters, though Topuria can occasionally flare up. White expressed surprise at the incident, mentioning that the fighters were all seated in the same row. He also humorously observed Sean O'Malley moving back during the confrontation. The post questions whether fighters need to show more restraint or if Topuria was justified in his response.
UFC president Dana White went public with his reaction to a tense confrontation between featherweight champion Illia Topuria and Josh Hawkit that unfolded during UFC 328 on May 9, describing the incident as unexpected given the personalities involved.
White remarked that both Topuria and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira carry themselves as composed, professional fighters in most settings, though he acknowledged that Topuria has shown a tendency to flare up on occasion. The fact that the fighters were seated together in the same row at the event appeared to be a contributing factor to how quickly the situation escalated. White also noted, with some humor, that bantamweight contender Sean O'Malley visibly shifted away from the confrontation as it unfolded.
Topuria, the reigning featherweight champion, has built a reputation as one of the sport's most confident and composed performers between fights, though moments of intensity away from the cage have surfaced before. Hawkit's involvement added an unexpected dimension to the evening.
Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion, holds a 13-4 record and is 38 years old. The Brazilian southpaw stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach and lands 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy. White's description of him as generally even-tempered aligns with how the champion has typically conducted himself at public events.
O'Malley, ranked fourth in the bantamweight division at 31, carries a 20-3 record and is known for a high-output striking style, averaging 6.05 significant strikes per minute at 60 percent accuracy. His instinct to create distance during the altercation drew a lighthearted response from White.
Why it matters
- The incident puts a spotlight on fighter conduct at live events and whether the UFC will respond formally
- Topuria's temperament could become a talking point heading into his next featherweight title defense
- White's public comments signal the promotion is monitoring the situation closely
Saturday, May 9, 2026
