Ilia Topuria teases return in spring against the winner of Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett
MMA Fighting • • sports
Key Points:
- In November, UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria announced a hiatus from MMA to address personal issues, leading to an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324.
- Topuria has now confirmed plans to return between April and June 2026, aiming to defend his title against the interim champion, potentially at the UFC White House event in June.
- Despite his focus on lightweight, Topuria has expressed interest in a welterweight bout against champion Islam Makhachev, confidently dismissing doubts about his chances.
- Top contender Arman Tsarukyan, who many believe deserves a title shot, has been notably overlooked, with Topuria offering a dismissive one-word comment
