The UFC has confirmed it will not remove Ilia Topuria from his position as lightweight champion despite the fighter’s ongoing hiatus. Topuria, a Georgian-Spaniard, has been inactive since capturing the 155-pound championship at UFC 317 and is not expected to return to competition until after the first quarter of 2026. His current break stems from personal reasons rather than injury or illness, prompting questions around the status of his lightweight title.
Although Topuria has yet to defend his belt since winning it, the UFC has opted to allow him ample time to resolve his absence. This decision stands even as discussions intensify about whether the champion should be stripped or required to vacate the title due to prolonged inactivity.
Calls for Interim Title or Stripping Surface From Contenders
Some prominent figures in the lightweight division have expressed frustration over Topuria’s absence. Paddy Pimblett, set to compete for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 against Justin Gaethje, has voiced his readiness to defend the belt if Topuria remains uncertain about his comeback date.
Paddy Pimblett says he is happy to defend his lightweight belt if Ilia Topuria isn’t ready by June or July.@Topuriailia@CharlesDoBronxs #paddypimblett #iliatopuria #armantsarukyan #charlesoliveira #ufc324 #mmadropzone #mma #ufc #trend #viral #fyp #mmanews #ufcnews pic.twitter.com/QFbbIajydk
Despite this pressure from contenders like Pimblett, UFC insiders Carlos Contreras Legaspi and Álvaro Colmenero have reiterated that ‘El Matador’ will retain his title. They indicated the organization’s willingness to either wait for Topuria’s return or, if necessary, authorize an interim title fight during his prolonged absence.
“The UFC is not going to strip Ilia. They’re going to give him all the time that’s necessary. If for some reason they have to have an interim title defense… They would allow it. They have a lot of faith in Topuria’s current status as a star.”
🚨 The UFC have no plans to strip Ilia Topuria of his lightweight title, and will give him however long he needs to comeback “The UFC is not going to strip Ilia. They’re going to give him all the time that’s necessary. If for some reason they have to have an interim title…”
Prospects for a Topuria vs. Makhachev Fight May Arrive Sooner Than Expected
Former UFC contender Merab Dvalishvili has hinted that a showdown between Ilia Topuria and reigning 170-pound champion Islam Makhachev could take place earlier than fans anticipate. While Makhachev is expected to defend his title after Ramadan in 2026, Topuria is scheduled to face the soon-to-be interim lightweight champion at UFC 324 upon his return.
Dvalishvili suggested that upcoming UFC events, including a White House celebration, might accelerate the scheduling of high-profile superfights, potentially bringing the match-up between Topuria and Makhachev into focus sooner rather than later.
“I know some details from Ilia. It might happen sooner than we imagine.”
Implications of Topuria’s Hiatus for the Lightweight Division
Ilia Topuria’s extended break has caused palpable tension within the lightweight ranks, as contenders like Paddy Pimblett push for clarity regarding the championship. The UFC’s decision to retain Topuria as champion while permitting an interim title defense if necessary reflects both the organization’s confidence in his star power and the complexity of managing championship status amid unforeseen absences.
This approach preserves Topuria’s claim to the lightweight title while keeping the division active with potential interim bouts. Fans can expect to see the landscape evolve significantly in 2026, especially as UFC 324 approaches and Topuria prepares for his in-ring comeback.
The possibility that Topuria could face Islam Makhachev in the near future adds urgency to the division’s unfolding narrative. Such a matchup would have major ramifications, potentially reshaping the lightweight landscape and satisfying long-standing calls for a unification or superfight.
I won’t be fighting in the first quarter of next year. I’m going through a difficult moment in my personal life. I want to focus on my children and resolve this situation as soon as possible.
I don’t want to hold up the division. The UFC will make the matchups needed, and as soon…— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) November 27, 2025
Paddy Pimblett says he is happy to defend his lightweight belt if Ilia Topuria isn’t ready by June or July.@Topuriailia@CharlesDoBronxs #paddypimblett #iliatopuria #armantsarukyan #charlesoliveira #ufc324 #mmadropzone #mma #ufc #trend #viral #fyp #mmanews #ufcnews pic.twitter.com/QFbbIajydk
— OctaVerse MMA (@octaverse_mma) January 16, 2026
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