Buenos Aires, November 27 (NA) – Spanish fighter Ilia Topuria has confirmed he will not fight in the first quarter of 2026 due to personal issues, leaving open the possibility that the UFC could activate an interim lightweight title in his absence.
The Spanish-Georgian champion explained that he is going through a "difficult time" in his "personal life" and needs to focus on his family before returning to the octagon, as reported by the Argentine News Agency.
Topuria posted a message on X stating he will "not" fight "in the first quarter of next year" and intends to focus on his children to "resolve this situation as soon as possible."
The champion also clarified that he does not want to halt the division's momentum and that the UFC will schedule the necessary bouts during his absence.
He emphasized that he will announce when he is ready to return.
The decision comes while he holds the featherweight and lightweight titles, though his inactivity since last June has set the stage for an interim title in the 155-pound division.
The organization is expected to announce its first US event of the year soon, and a Gaethje vs. Pimblett fight for UFC 324 appears to be the most likely scenario to determine this title.
Armenian Arman Tsarukyan, the recent winner at UFC Qatar and the top title contender, would be sidelined if the promoter sanctions this fight over his ranking position.
Topuria, for his part, would not lose the title but would hold it inactive until his personal situation is resolved.
In parallel, it was learned that Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a stake in the Spanish MMA promotion The Way of Warriors FC, a company in which Topuria himself is also a partner.
