Newly-crowned lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, who vacated his featherweight strap to ply his trade at 155 pounds, is expected to make his Octagon return in early 2026. No opponent has been named at this time; however, top contenders Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje are considered frontrunners, with bitter rival Paddy Pimblett joining the championship conversation.
“El Matador” has not competed since crushing Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 back in June.
Doesn’t sound like Topuria, 28, is in any rush to make his Octagon return.
“El Matador” is not the first lightweight champion to drag his feet after finding instant success. Former 155-pound titleholder Conor McGregor reduced his schedule dramatically back in 2016 and at this point, lives off the name he built during his glory years while chasing a new career in politics.
Could Topuria follow suit?
Let’s hope Topuria has better luck than McGregor when it comes to getting nominated.
“Who wants to let Ilia know he’s not McGregor and that he’s making all the champs look bad,” Tsarukyan wrote on Twitter. “Champs fight the No. 1 contender, but this is the same guy who thinks he’s the ‘BMF.’ Hw do you say ‘p*ssy’ in Spanish?”
Hopefully matchmakers can get Topuria booked sooner, rather than later.
