UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria’s timeline for his first title defense remains uncertain as he deals with personal issues outside the Octagon. UFC 324 will be headlined by an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett next month, amid Topuria’s ongoing hiatus.
Despite having a lot on his plate, Topuria has still made time to mock some of the top lightweights, including Arman Tsarukyan, during his absence. Topuria belittled Tsarukyan and dismissed his case for a title shot in an X-rated rant that attracted widespread attention online.
Topuria’s continued fight promotion and recent comments led some to question the sincerity of his absence. This also applies to Islam Makhachev’s manager, after months of Topuria mocking Makhachev and making big promises about a future clash.
Ali Abdelaziz questions Ilia Topuria after recent taunts while away from the UFC
In a recent post on XAli Abdelaziz responded to Topuria’s recent interviews.
“I’m a little confused,” Abdelaziz said of Topuria.
“Everyone gives this man space and respect to solve his family problems. And that should be the case. But when he comes out and talks about Khabib, Islam, Arman, for no reason. And he’s not even fighting. He’s not even fighting.”
“I’m not sure people give him a pass anymore.”
At the time of writing, Topuria has not responded to Abdelaziz’s comments. Topuria and Makhachev were briefly linked to a potential matchup before Makhachev made the move to welterweight and defeated Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322 earlier this year.
Topuria hasn’t fought since knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to win the then-vacant lightweight title. He remains undefeated in his UFC career with wins over Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway and Josh Emmett.
It’s uncertain how long Topuria will be on the sidelines while he sorts out his family issues, but once he returns, the UFC matchmakers could line up huge fights for his next appearances.
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