Ilya Topuria will not fight again in the UFC until the spring of 2026. This was confirmed by the Spanish-Georgian fighter himself through a message on his social networks in which he emphasized that the reason is personal. «I won’t fight in … The first quarter of next year. I am going through a difficult period in my personal life. I want to focus on my children and resolve this situation as quickly as possible.e,” wrote the UFC lightweight champion, who has not entered the octagon for nearly half a year.
Although, as announced by ABC, the UFC offered Topuria to defend his lightweight belt against Englishman Paddy Pimblett in January 2026, simultaneously with the premiere of a new multi-million dollar television contract in the United States, the Georgian-Hispanic player rejected the offer to arrange his family life, as there were supposedly not very pleasant fundamental changes. Hawaiian Max Holloway, a former rival of the Matadors, came out on social media to show his support for the Hispanic Georgian, as he has supposedly gone through a similar family situation.
“Sorry, champ. If this is what I’m hearing, then I know first-hand the struggle you face when trying to protect your children. “I hope everything goes well,” Holloway noted, and immediately received a response from Topuria himself. “Thanks for the support, brother. I wish you and your family the best,” the matador replied.
I won’t be fighting in the first quarter of next year. I am going through a difficult moment in my personal life. I want to focus on my children and resolve this situation as quickly as possible.
I don’t want to prolong the division. The UFC will make the necessary matches, and as soon as possible…– Elijah Topuria (@Topuriailia) November 27, 2025
However, Topuria, aware that he holds a highly coveted world title, wants his top spot to stay the course, despite not leaving his scepter vacant. “I don’t want to delay partition. The UFC will organize the necessary fights, and as soon as the matter is resolved, I will inform you that I am ready for my return.pointed out the Georgian Spaniard. As ABC has learned, these crossings will include the creation of a temporary belt, which will be contested by Englishman Paddy Pimblett and American Justin Gaethje.
The winner of this latest confrontation, which will take place on January 24, will face Topuria when the matador becomes available, which could happen between April and June. In the meantime, the Spaniard-Georgian will continue to train, organize his personal life and prepare to defend his reign for the first time next year.