Ilia Topuria announced last year that he would be stepping away from competing to address personal matters, delaying his focus on the next stage of his UFC career. Despite an extended absence, the UFC has decided to keep Topuria as the reigning lightweight champion, even as the division prepares to crown an interim titleholder at UFC 324 next month.
With uncertainty surrounding when Topuria will return, the promotion is committed to maintaining his championship status rather than stripping him of the belt. This decision affects promising contenders such as Justin Gaethje, who had hoped the title would be vacated to accommodate alternative matchups later this year.
UFC’s Stance on Title Retention During Topuria’s Hiatus
Topuria made it clear that he does not want to impede the lightweight division by delaying his comeback and has indicated he will not fight during the first quarter of 2026. The UFC initially aimed to have Topuria face off against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 317 in early 2026, but the champion’s return remains uncertain.
Some observers speculated that the UFC might strip Topuria of his belt to allow division progress. However, in a recent discussion on Alvaro Colmenero’s YouTube channel, Colmenero and reporter Carlos Contreras Legaspi explained that Topuria will be granted as much time as necessary, based on conversations with UFC officials during their November trip to Qatar.
Legaspi emphasized that Topuria, nicknamed “El Matador,” will stay champion even if this requires the interim champion at UFC 324 to defend the interim title before a unification bout takes place.
I can tell you from a very reliable source that the UFC is not going to strip Ilia, they will give him all the time he needs,
Legaspi stated.
If it is necessary to defend an interim position for some reason, which I hope not, they will let him do so.
The situation has been taken very well by the people at the UFC. They have a lot of faith in the star status that Topuria has today. So for those who are thinking that something strange could happen, I see it as very unlikely.
Top Contenders Eye UFC 324 Interim Title Bout
UFC 324, scheduled for January 24, will see two top fighters battle for the interim lightweight championship. The winner could potentially face Topuria in a highly anticipated title unification match once he returns. Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are the leading contenders, but it is Pimblett who appears most focused on securing the interim belt and then challenging Topuria.
Pimblett, who hopes to settle his rivalry with Topuria, spoke about the possibility of becoming the undisputed champion without facing Topuria should the champion’s absence extend further into the year.
All I care about is getting him in that octagon and fighting him. But, you never know, if he doesn’t come back by June, July, then he might have to vacate his belt,
Pimblett said during an interview with Carlos Contreras Legaspi for ESPN Deportes.
I’ll become undisputed champion without even fighting.
Implications of the UFC’s Decision on Lightweight Division
By choosing not to strip Topuria of his title, the UFC is signaling strong confidence in his long-term role within the promotion. This approach allows the division to remain active through an interim championship, while preserving Topuria’s legacy and undefeated record for when he returns.
The decision also sets the stage for a compelling title unification fight later in 2026, which will be one of the most eagerly awaited events in the lightweight division. Fans and fighters alike will be watching closely as the interim champion emerges from UFC 324 to await the first defense of this title and, eventually, a showdown with Topuria to settle the championship definitively.
