Ilia Topuria Hints at Kicking Off UFC’s $7.7 Billion Deal With Grudge Fight

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria talks about headlining the inaugural UFC-Paramount event in January 2026.

Ilia Topuria Hints at Kicking Off UFC’s $7.7 Billion Deal With Grudge Fight

Ilia Topuria talks about fighting on the first UFC-Paramount card (MMA Mania, Media Marketing)

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The UFC is preparing to launch its first Paramount card in January, marking a new chapter for the promotion’s streaming strategy. Early reports suggest the event could feature one of the organization’s top champions, signaling the significance of the card in its inaugural lineup. Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is emerging as a potential headliner for the January event.

The January event will be the first under the UFC’s new broadcasting agreement with Paramount, which was announced in August 2025. This seven-year, $7.7 billion deal marks a significant departure from the pay-per-view model. Under the terms of the deal, all 43 UFC events per year, including 13 numbered events and 30 Fight Nights, will be available exclusively on Paramount+.

The move to a subscription-based model is expected to enhance fan engagement by eliminating the need for additional pay-per-view purchases. Topuria last fought at UFC 317, where he knocked out Charles Oliveira to win the vacant lightweight belt. Ever since then, there has been a lot of speculation surrounding his return. ‘El Matador’ recently weighed in on his options for a potential January headliner.

Three potential opponents? Definitely Paddy Pimblett. The others? I don’t know, anybody can get it.

Ilia Topuria via Bettson Sports

Topuria named British superstar Paddy Pimblett as his first priority and title defense for the January event. There was a lot of speculation regarding a bout between them ever since they got into a brawl back in 2022. However, the rivalry between Topuria and Pimblett only intensified when the Liverpudlian stormed into the Octagon after Topuria won the belt at UFC 317 and the two exchanged insults.

The Georgian Spanish champion is also feuding with Armenian star and #2-ranked lightweight Arman Tsarukyan. The two have been trading insults online, with Tsarukyan accusing Topuria of ducking him as the obvious title challenger. However, Tsarukyan is set to fight UFC veteran Dan Hooker in a No.1 contender match at the UFC’s first-ever event in Qatar.

Pimblett, on the other hand, is coming off a dominant win against Michael Chandler at UFC 314, which promoted him substantially in the rankings, putting him over higher-ranked contenders who had more recent wins. As the UFC transitions to its new broadcasting arrangement, a January Paramount card featuring Ilia Topuria is poised to be a landmark event.

Michael Chandler praises Ilia Topuria’s greatness

Ilia Topuria has risen from debutant to UFC champion in a comparatively short span, altering the competitive order of the lightweight division. His rapid ascent has placed him among the most discussed names in contemporary MMA, not only because of the belt but because of the consistency with which he reached it. His title reign has already shifted matchmaking priorities at the top of the roster.

Michael Chandler talks about Ilia Topuria
Michael Chandler talks about Ilia Topuria (via MMA Fighting, Instagram)

On a recent episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, lightweight contender Michael Chandler assessed Topuria’s current standing in the sport. Chandler framed the champion’s trajectory as one of the most striking among active fighters, referencing how decisively Topuria has been closing fights at the highest level. His remarks were rooted in recent results rather than hypothetical comparisons.

I love that Ilia Topuria is winning titles and dominating people by being brilliant with the basics – a good jab, a hard overhand right followed by a left hook, couple leg kicks here and there, good distance, and most importantly, patience, being comfortable in the octagon and knowing exactly when to throw the punches, know when when to throw the combinations. He’s impressive, man. I don’t see him losing any time soon.

Michael Chandler via The Ariel Helwani Show

Chandler emphasized the structural fundamentals in Topuria’s fights, pointing to the clarity, repeatability, and pressure tolerance he has shown in championship settings. With multiple ranked wins, a title capture, and sustained momentum, Ilia Topuria’s run has become a key reference point in current lightweight analysis. His surge is now influencing the rankings conversation and future contender positioning.

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