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via Getty

via Getty

Can you imagine a UFC championship fight at the Las Vegas Sphere? Picture this. Some of the biggest fighters are exchanging blows inside the $2.3 billion spherical venue, surrounded by 18,600 people. A 16K resolution wraparound LED screen zooms into every hit, every kick. The thousands of fans witnessing the live-action can’t help but scream in excitement. Yes, this could happen.

UFC 306 is planned for September and, as per rumors, Dana White might splash a lot of cash for a visually appealing event. He wants to put on the “greatest live combat sports show anybody has ever seen,” as he had mentioned earlier. And it seems the main fight is already decided. While there is no official confirmation, Joe Rogan and former featherweight title contender Brian Ortega spilled the beans!

Amidst the turmoil of putting on the UFC 303 card, Brian Ortega accepted a short-notice fight against Diego Lopes at the upcoming PPV event. On June 23, he took some time to speak to ‘SHAK MMA’, where he not only spoke about his fight but also claimed that Dana White and the other matchmakers have made Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway a done deal.

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“I think that fight’s [Holloway vs Topuria] going to be on, I think that fight’s already made… I heard that fight is already made. Let’s just say that,” said Brian Ortega. Of course, Dana White likes to confirm the fights himself and nothing can be said for sure until then. But healing it from Ortega only adds to the excitement. “I could be wrong. But I am not usually wrong,” he added.

However, when asked to predict a winner, the fighter was unable to do so. He is aware both the fighters are tough. While Holloway is coming off three back-to-back wins, Topuria is undefeated and the new champion of the division.

Interesting Fact: Ortega faced Holloway in 2018, UFC 231, and lost via TKO (Doctor Stoppage).

But what does Rogan have to do with the whole fight rumors? Well, on JRE Fight Companion dated June 22, he discussed the potential matchup. “They want Topuria… vs Max. That’s what Max wants. That’s what he wants next… at ’45,” Joe Rogan stated. What’s interesting is that Rogan and Ortega’s comments came just days apart. Is that a clue for us?

To add to the intrigue, Ariel Helwani on his ‘The MMA Hour’ podcast disclosed, “There’s going to be a great title fight in Utah later this year. How lucky is Utah, getting PFL on Friday and then Topuria and Max.” This could mean that Topuria’s plan for Spain is not going to materialize. The champ was surely eager to defend his belt in his country, at the Barcelona football club’s home ground, Santiago Bernabeu.

However, there is one more thing to add. The Sphere. Will UFC 306 really take place there?

What is Dana White planning for The Sphere?

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Following the success that was UFC Saudi Arabia, Dana White addressed the media during the post-fight press conference, and the exciting part is that he shared some words about his plans for the glittering venue. The 54-year-old stated that he has some announcements to make which cater to his Sphere plans.

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“It’s one of the biggest sporting events of all time, not just in this sport… We will be announcing soon. Maybe [during] International Fight Week, next week. I’ll give you guys some more information,” said Dana White. These comments have made many people believe that it is a sign that he’s indeed going to announce the title fight between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway.

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During the press conference, he also revealed that he wants their Sphere event to be a masterclass on how to conduct one of the biggest and most successful sporting events. Surely, to get the logistics right for such a massive platform, it will take some time. But one thing is for sure. A UFC event at The Sphere is locked. Is it going to be 306? That’s what we need to wait for.

So far, there is no confirmation. But the rumors are strong. Would you attend a UFC fight at The Sphere? Share your thoughts in the comments below.