Topuria may hold the most important 155-pound title, but he won’t be featured in the next lightweight championship fight. Instead, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje will fight for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship on January 24. The fight will headline UFC 324, UFC’s debut event on Paramount+.
Topuria is currently on hiatus as he claims he is the victim of false allegations of domestic violence. Appears on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Chael Sonnen shared a conversation he had with someone who thinks Topuria should be stripped of the lightweight gold (via MMA Junkie).
“I was a little surprised by it,” Sonnen said. “However, their argument was that the interim belt is for those who are dealing with an illness or an injury. If we want to show grace to an undisputed champion because he misses matches specifically due to illness or injury, and the moment Ilia informs us that he is missing matches due to something outside the criteria of illness or injury, then that is the moment you strip him.”
Although Sonnen was initially surprised by the suggestion, he ultimately agrees.
“I found it very cold and I didn’t like that,” Sonnen admitted. “I’ve thought about it, and there’s actually a point to it. … You need to be stripped naked. I think that’s a fair point. I don’t want him to be stripped naked. I’m on Ilia’s side. I don’t really like what he’s going through. I also think he’s innocent. He seems like a really good guy. I don’t think he would have done these things. But they should strip him naked. If he doesn’t claim he’s been hurt and have some sort of doctor’s report to back it up. How bogus that is.” could be, he needs to be undressed.
Only time will tell if UFC officials will ultimately remove Topuria as lightweight champion. If not, he will be booked in a title fight against the winner of Pimblett vs. Pimblett sometime in 2026. Gaethje.
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