28-year-old Ilia Topuria’s rise to UFC stardom was anything but conventional, and so was his recently revealed break from the competition. Following weeks of speculation surrounding his personal life, the Georgian-born Spaniard confirmed earlier this month that he would be stepping away from MMA and opposing what he described as “false narratives” linked to his turbulent marriage to Giorgina Uzcategui Badell.
Despite the uncertainty, UFC lightweight king Ilia Topuria quickly put herself back in the spotlight and launched a scathing verbal attack on rival Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev. Topuria even went so far as to threaten to present the Dagestani marauder to his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
While that potential superfight reignited fans’ excitement, persistent divorce rumors seemed to delay his return. Now, however, newly surfaced footage tells a different story, showing ‘El Matador’ back in the gym, training alongside Georgian powerhouse Merab Dvalishvili, apparently sharpening his blade for a mega-fight against Makhachev.
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With Ilia Topuria quietly ramping up his preparation, speculation has begun to swirl again, raising questions about whether another champion-versus-champ showdown could be on the table.
Has Ilia Topuria turned personal turmoil into super fight motivation against Makhachev?
Paddy Pimblett will step into the spotlight for the biggest fight of his career on January 25 when the Brit meets Justin Gaethje for the interim UFC lightweight title at UFC 324 in Las Vegas. The match follows champion Topuria’s decision to sit out the first quarter of 2026 due to personal reasons.
Ilia Topuria, the UFC lightweight champion, has been linked to a difficult divorce from his wife, Giorgina Uzcategui Badell, the mother of his two children. In late November, he confirmed he would be sidelined as he faced what he described as a “difficult moment” in his personal life.
He later revealed that he had faced heavy pressure and alleged extortion attempts involving threats to spread false accusations. He has strongly denied these claims and stated that the matter is now in the hands of legal authorities.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his personal situation, signs of Ilia Topuria’s return are beginning to surface. Newly released footage shows him back in the gym with fellow Georgian standout Dvalishvili, taking part in what appears to be light sparring, fueling speculation that his hiatus from competition will end soon.
Ilia Topuria sparring with Merab 👀
pic.twitter.com/sLy7ne8Suk
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 22, 2025
When we last saw Ilia Topuria…
Ilia Topuria last fought earlier this year in June, when he eliminated Charles Oliveira to capture the vacant lightweight title. With an interim title about to be contested at UFC 324, his renewed training activity has reignited discussion about when and against whom the champion could make his long-awaited return.
Still, the 155-pounder has already teased that his comeback might not even come against the winner of Gaethje vs. Pimblett will be, leaving the lightweight landscape wide open and fans eagerly guessing his next opponent.
Furthermore, the Spaniard’s recent attacks have been as calculated as they are fiery, providing a clear challenge to newly crowned welterweight champion Makhachev and shaking up the division. By openly planning a submission for Nurmagomedov, the undefeated champion is signaling his ambition to chase a rare third UFC title.
Should this fight materialize, Ilia Topuria would etch his name in UFC history as the first fighter to win titles in three different weight classes, a feat unmatched even by Conor McGregor, Henry Cejudo or Demetrious Johnson.
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