Ilya Topuria He surprised the mixed martial arts (MMA) world with a blunt message: “I will not be back in the octagon until after the first quarter of 2026.” The UFC wanted the Spanish-Georgian to put his world lightweight title on the line, however condition … The staff made him stop for a while Until you arrange your entire private life.
Faced with this situation, the UFC itself launched its mechanisms, so that the division would not remain stagnant, as it identified the Englishman Paddy Pimblett and the American Justin Gaethje as the next contenders for the undisputed belt, and stipulated that both of them would compete for the interim UFC lightweight title on January 24, something that sparked a wave of criticism from some fans and, above all, from Arman Tsarukyan, who was positioned as the top contender in the division.
Faced with this situation, and despite the fact that Topuria is indulging in a voluntary break, the Georgian Hispanic launched a sarcastic message aimed at Paddy Pimblett and, even more so, at Arman Tsarukyan. “Paddy, win your next fight. Hands up, chin down.. Arman Bitoh (insult) This dance is for you »was published in “X” accompanied by a video showing the Englishman Paddy dancing as a child.
Therefore, the winner of the Pimblett vs. Gaethje match will have to unify his interim belt with Elijah Topuria later, ensuring that one of them will be the next challenger for the Matador. Regarding dates, It could be between April and Junebut it remains to be determined what scenario the UFC will want to make Ilya Topuria “dance.”