Top UFC lightweight contenders Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett will fight for the interim UFC lightweight title at UFC 324 next weekend. Ilia Topuria, who won the then-vacant lightweight title last summer, is in the midst of an ongoing hiatus from competition due to issues outside the cage.
Pimblett recently called on Topuria to vacate the lightweight belt to move the division forward. Top contender Arman Tsarukyan, who was stripped of another title shot after a recent win over Dan Hooker, would be next in line for the winner of Pimblett vs. Gaethje if an interim title defense is necessary.
Topuria’s continued hiatus has led to speculation that he could vacate the title for a move up to welterweight to challenge newly crowned champion Islam Makhachev. While Topuria is eyeing a future showdown with Makhachev, he is not slowing down in his quest for lightweight history.
For the first time since announcing his absence from the competition, Topuria has provided a detailed update on when fans can expect him to return to the Octagon in 2026.
Ilia Topuria reveals his UFC return timeline ahead of the UFC 324 interim title fight
In a few recent ones tweetsTopuria shared the most detailed return timeline since his UFC hiatus began.
“April-June,” Topuria replied.
“The winner between Paddy and Justin.”
This would leave Topuria’s initial plans for a return at UFC 327 in Miami. The card features the returns of Paulo Costa, Dominick Reyes, Tatiana Suarez and other top UFC names.
If Topuria returns in June, he could potentially return on the upcoming card on the White House lawn against the winner of Pimblett vs. Gaethje. The card is expected to be finalized and announced in the coming weeks, with Conor McGregor and Jon Jones hoping for places at the event.
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