Ilia Topuria‘s chance to become a two-division UFC champion at UFC 317 this weekend is viewed as a pivotal moment for mixed martial arts (MMA) in Spain. The Georgian-Spanish fighter will face Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight championship during the main event of International Fight Week, aiming to capture the belt after Oliveira’s previous reign.

Costello Van Steenis, who is also competing for a world title shortly after at PFL Africa 1, expressed how significant Topuria’s victory could be for the growth of MMA in Spain. Both fighters share a connection through their hometown of Alicante and a mutual ambition to raise the profile of the sport in their region.

Costello Van Steenis on the Shared Dream for Spanish MMA

Van Steenis, preparing for his middleweight title fight against Johnny Eblen on July 19, spoke about his hopes of bringing PFL events to Spain and the impact Topuria’s potential UFC title win could have. Van Steenis highlighted their common roots and the momentum their victories could generate for Alicante and Spain’s MMA scene.

“I think that’s gonna be really interesting. I’m still doubting I’m staying awake for this fight because like I’m in training camp. So then I’ll have to wake up early and see it later on. But I believe Ilia’s gonna [beat] Charles in there in a nasty way. This guy’s hands are made of rocks. We both come from the same city.”

—Costello Van Steenis, MMA Fighter

“He’s been growing up in Alicante… How good would that be? He’s gonna get the title in June… I’m gonna be getting the PFL title in July. Then we’re both gonna take it to the same place, to Alicante where we both come from. That’s making history,” he added.

—Costello Van Steenis, MMA Fighter

Ilia Topuria’s Changing Outlook on Hosting UFC Events in Spain

Despite his enthusiasm for raising MMA’s profile in Spain, Ilia Topuria has recently expressed some hesitation about the feasibility of bringing a UFC event to the country. While the idea has gained some traction among UFC promoters, Topuria pointed out logistical challenges that make hosting a numbered UFC event in Spain complicated.

During a press conference in Spain, Topuria explained the difficulties related to the UFC’s broadcasting agreement with ESPN in the United States, which influences event scheduling. He suggested that a UFC event in Spain would likely have to be held in the early morning hours to align with U.S. prime time broadcasts, a scenario he doubts would engage Spanish fans effectively.

“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 I don’t see it as very feasible to have everyone on their feet at 4AM or 5AM.”

—Ilia Topuria, MMA Fighter

Potential Impact on Spain’s MMA Landscape

The outcome of UFC 317 holds considerable importance beyond just the title belt. A victory for Ilia Topuria could inspire new interest and investment in Spanish MMA, helping to establish the sport more firmly within the country. Combined with efforts by fighters like Van Steenis to bring major promotions like PFL to Spanish audiences, the sport may see accelerated growth and more international exposure.

Although logistical hurdles remain regarding hosting UFC events in Spain, the involvement of high-profile fighters with local ties shines a spotlight on the region. This renewed attention could eventually pave the way for more live events in Spain, provided that broadcasting and scheduling challenges are resolved to accommodate global and local fans alike.