“They don’t do this for everyone” – Famed MMA journalist reveals INSIDER information on how much the UFC values new champ Ilia Topuria

MMA Journalist Ariel Helwani states that UFC executive went to Spain to negotiate a deal with Ilia Topuria. Nobody knew about Topuria's expiring contract from last year.

“They don’t do this for everyone” – Famed MMA journalist reveals INSIDER information on how much the UFC values new champ Ilia Topuria

Ariel Helwani claims that a UFC executive flew to Spain to negotiate a deal with Ilia Topuria (via X/Fighters Only)

Ilia Topuria shocked the MMA world by dethroning long-reigning featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. The Georgian fighter finished “The Great” via second-round KO. However, Topuria was close to leaving the UFC last year as his previous contract expired at the end of 2023. Ariel Helwani recently broke the news about this on his X account.

The Famed MMA journalist broke this insider news. He noted the UFC rarely go out of their way to negotiate new deals with fighters. Helwani believed the UFC clearly saw Topuria as a special case. Ariel Helwani said UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell flew to Topuria’s native Spain. He negotiated a new contract with Ilia Topuria. This is what Helwani posted:

Wasn't widely reported but Topuria's deal was up at the end of 2023. UFC's Hunter Campbell flew to Spain to cut a new deal. They don't do this for everyone, but they recognized what they had, obviously. That investment is about to pay off in a massive way, it seems.
Ariel Helwani via X
YouTube video

Topuria last fought Josh Emmett in June 2023. He put on a spectacular show and won the fight by decision. Topuria would have gone away after the fight due to contract expiration. But the UFC recognized Topuria’s elite talent and refused to let him walk.

FS Video

Topuria is entering his prime at just 27 years old. He boasts an unblemished 15-0 pro record. He has finished 12 of 15 wins by knockout. His dangerous power was on full display against Alexander Volkanovski. Topuria is now the youngest reigning UFC men’s champion. He also became the promotion’s first Georgian titleholder. 

Ilia Topuria becoming champion opens up a new market for the UFC

Ilia Topuria shocked MMA fans worldwide by winning the UFC featherweight belt. He knocked out dominant champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. In doing so, Topuria also cracked open a major new market for the UFC. The 27-year-old Topuria was born in Germany to Georgian parents. He moved to Spain at age 15, where he has lived since. Topuria has emerged as a superstar in his adopted homeland of Spain.

The newly-minted champion jhas the potential to open international markets for the UFC
The newly minted champion has the potential to open international markets for the UFC (via Imago/X)

His title win will further elevate his stardom there. It also provides the UFC with increased visibility in an untapped market. Spain has never before produced a UFC champion. Topuria changes that as the country’s first titleholder. His championship legitimizes MMA in Spain. Topuria’s upset also carries weight across the Iberian Peninsula. This includes Portugal, Andorra, and parts of France. The region contains over 57 million people.

Topuria himself called for the UFC to hold a stadium show in Spain following his monumental title victory. His stardom will sell out a massive venue there. The UFC hastily worked to re-sign Topuria last year as his contract neared expiration. Dana White also commented they would look to hold a PPV card in Spain, headlining Topuria.

In case you missed it: