Highlights:
- UFC–Paramount partnership fuels speculation about his return.
- Fans are buzzing over possible blockbuster matchups.
- Topuria keeps his cards close but hints at a preferred opponent.
Ilia Topuria continues to command attention after a rapid climb through the UFC ranks. The Spanish-Georgian phenom made a thunderous statement at UFC 317, dominating former titleholder Charles Oliveira to claim double-champ honors and establish himself as one of the promotion’s premier talents. His latest performance didn’t just showcase his power and precision—it signaled that a new era of MMA stardom might be unfolding.
In a recent clip shared by Championship Rounds, sourced from @diarioas, Topuria revealed he hasn’t had any official discussions with the UFC about his next move. ‘I haven't had any official conversations with them,’ he said. ‘Everything is rumors so far. If it were up to me, I'd rather fight Paddy because there's a history between us.’
That single line was enough to send fans into a frenzy. With the ink still drying on the new UFC–Paramount partnership, rumors are swirling about who will headline the organization’s next big era of cross-platform fight events. And at the heart of that conversation stands Topuria, who’s quickly become one of the sport’s most magnetic global figures.
A Paramount Showdown in the Making?
Speculation has been building around a potential grudge match that could headline the UFC’s first major event under the Paramount banner. The rivalry between the two fighters has been simmering for years, kept alive through interviews, online digs, and past encounters that never truly faded.
🚨 Ilia Topuria says he hasn't spoke with the UFC yet about his next fight
"I haven't had any official conversations with them. Everything is rumors so far. If it were up to me I'd rather fight Paddy because there's a history between us."
🎥 @diarioaspic.twitter.com/wX1S3FStWP
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 24, 2025
Earlier in the week, the English contender went on a tirade online, calling out Topuria and demanding he ‘sign the contract.’ The fiery rant quickly spread across social media as he accused the champion of chasing clout, labeling him a ‘McGregor copycat’ and even mocking his background. It was pure promotional chaos—exactly the kind of drama that fuels speculation the UFC may already be laying the groundwork for a headline-making showdown.
No matter how it plays out, one thing feels inevitable—the next chapter of the UFC promises fireworks. As anticipation builds, the double champ stands at the center of it all, with fans eagerly waiting to find out who’ll share the Octagon with him next.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
