Ilia Topuria has excellent news for European MMA fans.
A brand new chapter will soon begin for the UFC, as the game’s leading promotion completes its broadcast take care of ESPN and crosses over to Paramount.
Dana White announced the UFC-Paramount agreement in August, with the multi-billion-dollar deal getting underway at first of 2026.
Since then, many have questioned the impact it’s going to have on elements corresponding to compensation, with White insisting UFC fighter pay will go up and claiming bonuses shall be increased.
Certainly one of the organization’s top stars has now revealed why the deal can also be great news for a selected portion of the MMA fanbase.
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Ilia Topuria says UFC-Paramount deal shall be great for European fans
MMA has long been a difficult sport to follow for fans in Europe, owing to the late start times for essentially the most distinguished events in the US.
Adding to the frustration has been the necessity for events on European soil to occur in US prime time. That was the case in July 2024, when Leon Edwards defended his title at 5 a.m. in Manchester, England.
But based on the continent’s biggest MMA name, that’s about to alter.
During a recent press conference in Georgia, Ilia Topuria spoke positively concerning the UFC’s $7.7 billion take care of Paramount, claiming it’s going to mean events happening in European prime time when the Octagon crosses the Atlantic.
“I’m very completely happy that this latest take care of Paramount was signed,” Topuria said (h/t She Loves the Gloves).
“There have been some challenges with the ESPN deal by way of holding events in Europe. For instance, after we had conversations about holding a UFC event in Spain, they’d at all times ask for it to be held on the American prime time, which is 4-5 a.m. in Spain.
“This, nonetheless, causes a whole lot of logistical challenges like transportation, restaurants, etc — all the system,” he continued.
“Now, with this latest deal, (UFC) will give you the option to carry events in Europe at local prime time, which works well for all of us who survive this side of the ocean.”
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It’s ‘possible’ Ilia Topuria headlines the UFC’s first event on Paramount
It also seems that Topuria is within the running to top the lineup for the UFC’s first major Paramount event.
During a press conference after Dana White’s Contender Series, the UFC CEO revealed his team has begun the technique of forming the cardboard.
“We literally — today, matchmaking was today,” White said.
When asked if Topuria could feature at the primary Paramount event, White added, “It’s a possibility.”