05-07-2025
UFC exec Marc Ratner reveals Spain event target for 'real star' Ilia Topuria
The UFC has yet to break ground in Spain with a live event, but as Ilia Topuria continues to evolve into one of MMA's top stars, the efforts to enter the country continue.
Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) has long called for the octagon to come to Spain since he captured his first UFC title against Alexander Volkanovski in February 2024. He's followed that up with a title defense against Max Holloway then moved up to the lightweight division, where he claimed the vacant belt against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
With much discussion from fans and pundits about who is going to be the next breakthrough fighter for the UFC, it seems Topuria has stepped into that void, and UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner thinks the traction is legit.
"Two or three years ago you never heard of Topuria, nobody knew much about him," Ratner told MMA Junkie Radio at UFC X Radio Row in June. "Now he's a real star."
There are a plethora of potential hold-ups to UFC hosting an event in Spain, from the start time of a pay-per-view to a proper venue to a potentially significant site fee requirement.
Ratner, who has been an instrumental figure in UFC's entry into new markets both domestically and internationally, is confident Spain will be confirmed potentially before the end of 2026.
"That's the goal to go to Spain in the next year or so," Ratner said. "In an arena. I don't know if they have the right arenas there yet."
