Just over a couple of months remain before the UFC officially kicks off its partnership with Paramount under the monumental $7.7 billion deal signed earlier this year. As anticipation builds, debates are heating up over who will headline the promotion’s first event of 2026. Among the names being floated is UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. Meanwhile, UFC CEO Dana White recently added some fuel to the speculation.

“Literally today,” White told reporters following the final episode of Contender Series when asked about preparations for the Paramount debut. “Matchmaking was today, and we started working on the first Paramount card today.” When questioned about whether ‘El Matador’ could headline the event, he teased, “It’s a possibility.” Despite the buzz, the Georgian fig

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