UFC CEO Dana White has initiated the matchmaking process for the promotion’s highly anticipated debut on Paramount, slated to commence in January, with reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria emerging as a strong "possibility" to anchor the marquee event. The move signals the UFC’s intent to launch its new broadcasting partnership with a significant card, showcasing one of its most dominant and rapidly ascending stars.

Speaking to reporters following Tuesday’s episode of Dana White’s Contender Series, White confirmed that discussions for the Paramount debut card began "literally today." He emphasized the importance of a powerful kickoff to the new broadcast era, stating, "Matchmaking was today, and we started working on the first Paramount card today." The transition to Paramount marks a pivotal moment for the UFC, shifting its primary broadcast presence and promising a fresh chapter in its media partnerships.

Ilia Topuria, an undefeated fighter with a pristine professional record of 17-0, stands out as a prime candidate to headline such a significant event. Unlike other major UFC figures, Topuria is currently available and not scheduled for an upcoming bout, making him an immediate and viable option for a January showcase. His recent trajectory through two weight divisions has been nothing short of spectacular, establishing him as one of the most exciting and dominant forces in mixed martial arts.

Topuria first captured the attention of the MMA world by claiming the UFC featherweight championship. This historic achievement occurred in February 2024 when he delivered a stunning knockout victory over the long-reigning champion, Alexander Volkanovski, at UFC 298. Volkanovski, a fighter widely considered among the greatest featherweights of all time, had successfully defended his title multiple times before encountering Topuria’s explosive power. The win cemented Topuria’s status as a top-tier athlete and a legitimate superstar.

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Following his featherweight triumph, Topuria, driven by ambitions for further glory and a desire to challenge himself in a new weight class, made the strategic decision to vacate his featherweight title. He then embarked on a highly anticipated move to the lightweight division, a weight class renowned for its depth of talent and intensely competitive landscape. His impact at 155 pounds was immediate and decisive. In his inaugural lightweight title fight, Topuria faced former champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant championship. Displaying his characteristic blend of precision striking and relentless pressure, Topuria secured his third consecutive knockout victory in a title fight, defeating Oliveira to claim the vacant 155-pound championship. This victory underscored his exceptional skill set and adaptability, proving his championship pedigree across different weight categories. His ability to finish opponents, particularly in high-stakes title bouts, has made him a significant draw for audiences worldwide.

The lightweight division, where Topuria now reigns, is arguably the most talent-rich and competitive in the UFC. Should he headline the Paramount debut, potential challengers for his title are abundant. Fighters such as Islam Makhachev, who previously held the lightweight title and boasts a dominant wrestling and grappling background, represent a formidable test. Other top contenders like Justin Gaethje, known for his relentless pressure and knockout power, or Dustin Poirier, a fan-favorite with a deep resume of elite victories, could also be considered. Arman Tsarukyan, another rising star with a strong wrestling foundation and impressive striking, has also made a compelling case for a title shot. The depth of the division ensures that any title defense by Topuria would be a highly anticipated affair, further boosting the appeal of a Paramount debut event.

In contrast to Topuria’s availability, other major stars the UFC could potentially book for a tentpole event are currently either sidelined or focused on alternative timelines. Heavyweight champion Jon Jones, for instance, has publicly expressed his interest in headlining a planned UFC card at the White House in June. Jones, a generational talent with a storied career, operates on a unique schedule, often spacing out his fights due to his status and the magnitude of his matchups. His focus on a later event means he is unlikely to feature in the January Paramount debut.

Similarly, Conor McGregor, arguably the biggest draw in UFC history, is currently unavailable for the January event. McGregor has not competed since July 2021 and is serving a suspension for violating the UFC’s anti-doping policy, which is not set to conclude until March. This timeline definitively removes him from consideration for the Paramount debut. Like Jones, McGregor has also hinted at a potential return on the aforementioned White House card, indicating his schedule and contractual obligations align with a later-year return. The absence of these two unique stars, whose fight schedules have long diverged from those of "normal" fighters, further highlights Topuria’s immediate and strategic importance for the January event.

White’s comments also touched upon the impending conclusion of the UFC’s current broadcast deal with ESPN. The promotion has enjoyed a productive partnership with ESPN, an arrangement that significantly expanded the UFC’s reach and mainstream appeal over its tenure. As the deal winds through its final months, a sense of transition is palpable within both organizations.

"We’re always going to try to put on the best cards that we can," White stated, reaffirming the UFC’s commitment to delivering high-quality events regardless of the broadcast partner. He acknowledged the strong relationships forged between the UFC team and the ESPN production crew over the years. "We’ve had a great relationship with ESPN, and we were talking earlier, everybody is already starting to feel it. There’s a lot of relationships between the ESPN team that comes to all the fights and works and the UFC team, and everybody is starting to feel it coming to the end here. They’ve been great to us, and they’ve been great to the sport. We want to put on a badass last card for them." This statement underscores the professional respect and camaraderie that developed during the ESPN era, while also signaling a strong finish to the partnership.

The move to Paramount represents a new chapter for the UFC’s broadcast strategy. Historically, broadcast deals have played a crucial role in the sport’s growth, influencing everything from fighter pay and event production values to audience reach and overall marketability. A major network partnership like Paramount offers the potential for broader exposure, potentially introducing the sport to new demographics and solidifying its position in the mainstream sports landscape. The choice of a headliner like Ilia Topuria, a champion known for his exciting finishes and undefeated record, reflects a strategic decision to make a significant impact from day one of the new agreement. His consistent performance and marketability align with the UFC’s objective of delivering high-impact, memorable events to its new broadcast partner and its global fanbase. The specific details of the January card, including Topuria’s potential opponent, are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks as the matchmaking process progresses.

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