Ilia Topuria reveals why UFC’s $7.7 billion Paramount deal will be a game-changer

Ilia Topuria says UFC-Paramount deal will 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 the most prominent events in the United States.

Adding to the frustration has been the need for events on European soil to happen 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 according to the continent’s biggest MMA name, that is about to change.

During a recent press conference in Georgia, Ilia Topuria spoke positively about the UFC’s $7.7 billion deal with Paramount, claiming it will mean events happening in European prime time when the Octagon crosses the Atlantic.

“I’m very happy that this new deal with Paramount was signed,” Topuria said (h/t She Loves the Gloves).

“There were some challenges with the ESPN deal in terms of holding events in Europe. For example, when we had conversations about holding a UFC event in Spain, they would always ask for it to be held at the American prime time, which is 4-5 a.m. in Spain.

“This, however, causes a lot of logistical challenges like transportation, restaurants, etc — the entire system,” he continued.

“Now, with this new deal, (UFC) will be able to hold events in Europe at local prime time, which works well for all of us who live on this side of the ocean.​”

It’s ‘possible’ Ilia Topuria headlines the UFC’s first event on Paramount

It also seems that Topuria is in 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 process of forming the card.

“We literally — today, matchmaking was today,” White said.

When asked if Topuria could feature at the first Paramount event, White added, “It’s a possibility.”