Dana White has commented on the altercation between Josh Hawkit and Ilia Topuria, according to this report. White stated that both Ilia and Pereira are usually calm guys, although Ilia can sometimes get heated. He said they didn't expect this incident. White described the fighters sitting close together in the same row, with Sean O'Malley starting to move back, while Dana thought it was unbelievable. The post includes a poll asking whether Dana is right that fighters need to be more restrained, or whether Hawkit went too far and Ilia acted correctly. Details about what specifically triggered the altercation are not provided.
UFC President Dana White broke his silence on a backstage altercation involving featherweight-turned-lightweight contender Ilia Topuria and Josh Hawkit, addressing the incident publicly on May 11, 2026.
White described the scene as unexpected, noting that both Topuria and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira are generally composed individuals, though he acknowledged that Topuria can occasionally let his emotions get the better of him. White noted the fighters were seated close together in the same row at the event, with bantamweight Sean O'Malley seen moving away from the situation as things escalated. White called the whole episode unbelievable.
Topuria, 29, currently holds the number-two ranking in the lightweight division and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings with a professional record of 17 wins and one loss. The Spain-based Georgian is known for his aggressive output, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute and adding a takedown threat with nearly two takedown attempts per 15 minutes. He fights out of an orthodox stance for Climent Club.
Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion, carries a 13-4 record and is widely regarded as one of the sport's most dangerous strikers. The 38-year-old Brazilian connects at a 62 percent striking accuracy rate, averaging 5.16 significant strikes per minute. At six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach, he is an imposing presence inside or outside the cage.
O'Malley, ranked fourth at bantamweight with a 20-3 record, was also in the vicinity. The 31-year-old American southpaw-and-orthodox switcher leads all three fighters in striking output, averaging 6.05 significant strikes per minute at 60 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Topuria is the number-one pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, so any off-cage incident draws immediate scrutiny
- White's remarks suggest the UFC did not anticipate the confrontation, raising questions about event logistics and athlete management
- The specific trigger for the altercation has not been disclosed, leaving the full context unresolved
