Recent updates suggest that the UFC has no plans to strip champion Ilia Topuria of his lightweight title. Topuria is currently on a break due to personal reasons and is expected to return the octagon after the first quarter of 2026.
However, considering the Georgian-Spaniard has not defended his 155-pound belt once after capturing it at UFC 317, and his reason for don’t fight Now that it’s not an injury or illness, there have been discussions about whether he should be stripped or asked to leave.
Paddy Pimblett, who will compete for the interim lightweight belt at UFC 324 against Justin Gaethje, among others, also wants Topuria to be stripped if the latter does not know when he will fight again.
However, according to the latest update from Carlos Contreras Legaspi and Álvaro Colmenero, the UFC has no plans for ‘El Matador’. If the 28-year-old can’t return after the first quarter of 2026, the UFC could even have an interim title defense in his absence.
“The UFC is not going to strip Ilia. They’re going to give him all the time he needs. If for some reason they have to have an interim title defense… they would allow it. They have a lot of confidence in Topuria’s current status as a star.”
Check out the update below:
Former UFC Champion Believes Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev could happen sooner
Merab Dvalishvili believes that Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev could happen sooner than fans know. While Makhachev is rumored to make his first defense of his 170-pound championship after Ramadan 2026, Topuria will meet the soon-to-be-crowned interim champion at UFC 324 upon his return.
However, as the UFC White House event draws closer, everything else could be put on hold, opening the door for blockbuster superfights to happen much sooner. Dvalishvili said in a recent interview:
“I know some details about Ilia. It could happen sooner than we think.” [via @adjarabetcom, h/t @MMA_PROS_PICK_]
Check out Merab Dvalishvili’s comments below on the possible Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria:
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