Ilia Topuria to defend lightweight title in early spring or summer
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria plans to defend his title within the next six months, targeting a return between April and June.
- Topuria had stepped away from MMA late last year due to personal issues, including addressing "false allegations of domestic abuse" and a custody dispute in Spanish family court.
- During his absence, the UFC scheduled an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett to headline UFC 324 next weekend.
- Topuria indicated on social media that he intends to face the winner of the Gaethje vs. Pimblett bout upon his return.
