In 2025, Ilia Topuria has two distinctions. First, the soon-to-be former 145lbs champ is the beacon of Spanish mixed martial arts. ‘La Leyenda’ isn’t just a moniker—it’s a prophecy whispered in Madrid’s gyms and shouted in Barcelona’s streets. And second, he is a legend in exile! For all his Octagon brilliance, Topuria faces a battle outside the cage that’s proving just as complex: bringing the UFC home. A bull is guarding this castle—and its name is Broadcast Timing. All of this is attributed to Dana White’s $1.5 billion broadcasting deal with ESPN.
The ghosts of UFC PPVs haunt this narrative—a reminder that when the events begin, most Spanish fans are deep in deep sleep. A main card that kicks off at 3-4 am local time? That’s not a fight night; that’s a midnight marathon that would make even the most caffeine-powered fan wave the white flag of surrender. Topuria knows the score! ESPN’s iron-clad grip on American viewing hours is like a time zone emperor, transforming potential Spanish celebrations into a nightmare.
“It’s because of the agreement the UFC has with ESPN, the scheduling issue because if they bring a numbered event to Spain it would have to be at 4 AM or 5 AM to be prime time on US television.” Ilia Topuria told Eurosport’s Alvaro Colmenero while announcing his part-ownership in the Spanish MMA promotion, WOW FC. “So I don’t see it as very feasible to have everyone on their feet at 4 AM or 5 AM.”
“Even as an athlete, I don’t see myself competing at that time. I already did it once in Abu Dhabi, where we had to fight at such a crazy time, and I don’t want to do it again, to be honest,” Ilia Topuria added.
Ilia Topuria explains why it’s difficult for the UFC to hold an event in Spain:
“It’s because of the agreement the UFC has with ESPN, the scheduling issue, because if they bring a numbered event to Spain it would have to be at 4AM or 5AM to be prime time on US television, so… pic.twitter.com/rEl4RNt8kH
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 27, 2025
While claiming that he doesn’t want fans to stay up all night, Topuria also doesn’t want to compete late at night. In fact, he claimed that he experienced that during his title defense against Max Holloway at UFC 308 and wants no part of that again. Just like Topuria, Leon Edwards also claimed to have been affected by fighting around 5 am during his title defense at UFC 304 in Manchester against Belal Muhammad.
Well, the Spanish MMA fans could be in luck because the UFC’s renewal with ESPN is coming up soon, and rumor has it that Dana White could make a move similar to WWE. Here’s what we know!
Dana White speculated on moving the UFC to Netflix
Certain reports have come out that UFC executives are aiming to make more than $1 billion a year with their next US media rights deal. The ESPN deal will come to an end at the end of 2025, and then Dana White will seek new options. While ESPN is still interested in continuing its partnership with the UFC, reports from late 2024 claimed that the Las Vegas-based promotion is expecting to negotiate with Netflix about its next deal.
“We’re not looking to leave, but it takes two, and we have to make sure the deal is right,” TKO Group President and COO Mark Shapiro stated during an interview with CNBC. “I think absolutely, [Netflix will] be at the table on UFC. They get the UFC. They’re fans of the UFC. They’ve been to the UFC. Their kids watch UFC, and they’re looking for those leagues, those brands, those kind of power sports content factories that can go global. And UFC is very much a global brand.”
IMAGO / ZUMA Wire May 30, 2023: Cuo¡ndo va a empezar Netflix a cobrarle a los usuarios por compartir sus cuentas – ZUMAla2_ 20230530_zaa_la2_007 Copyright: xLaxNacionx
Just like WWE, seeing good numbers since RAW’s move to Netflix, it won’t be a surprise to see Dana White follow suit. Do you think then the UFC could come to Spain for an Ilia Topuria headliner? Drop your comments below.
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