The new era of UFC on Paramount might be ushered in by Ilia Topuria. The seven-year, $7.7 billion broadcast rights agreement that the UFC inked with Paramount earlier this year will go into effect on January 1, 2026. With 2025 quickly approaching, UFC CEO Dana White believes the real work of their future age has already started, including matching the promotion with their new broadcaster for the first major card. The arrangement marks a new era for the UFC, which has been affiliated with ESPN since 2019. "Absolutely today," White replied to reporters' questions regarding plans following the last episode of Contender Series. The first Paramount card was begun today, and matchmaking took place today as well. Fans have been speculating about the headliner for the first Paramount show as the UFC probably wants to start its new broadcast rights deal with a bang. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) may be more popular than ever before, but it's lacking in major stars right now. Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is one of the few. Even while White didn't officially confirm it, he did hint that Topuria could be the headliner of the first Paramount event. Many fans are wondering whether this is true because he hasn't been booked yet. On the subject of "El Matador," White responded, "It's a possibility." Merab Dvalishvili, a fellow Georgian, will put an end to the ESPN era, but Topuria may be the one to bring in a new age for the UFC. In a recent announcement, White stated that it was vital to conclude their connection with ESPN as aggressively as they began it. Dvalishvili will defend his bantamweight title for a fourth time this year, facing up against Petr Yan in the main event of UFC 323—the final pay-per-view event of the ESPN era. In every game, White and company will play their finest cards. We were just discussing how everyone is beginning to feel the effects of our wonderful connection with ESPN. Everyone is beginning to sense that the connections between the UFC staff and the ESPN crew, who cover all the fights and work together, are coming to a close. Both we and the sport have benefited greatly from their generosity. We intend to play a devastating final card for them.