Although Ilya Topuria won’t step into the Octagon until after March 2026, at the very least, His rivalry remains at maximum with Buddy Pimblett and Arman Tsarukyantwo fighters who clearly presented themselves as potential contenders in their first defense of the lightweight belt. That’s why the dual UFC champion left a message addressed to both of them this Sunday.
The matador posted a video clip lasting a few seconds on his social networks The British fighter is shown as a child dancing in what appears to be a school performance. A clip that he used to hesitate for whoever aims to be his next opponent in the cage.
“Paddy, win your next fight. Hands up and chin down…”writes the Spanish-Georgian letter BadiWithout forgetting the Armenian: “This dance is for you,” he adds at the end of his message, to which he has not received a response from either of them yet.
A few days ago, Topuria announced his decision not to fight in the first quarter of 2026, because he is “going through a difficult time” on a personal level. He said: “I want to focus on my children and resolve this situation as quickly as possible,” referring to what would happen to the division in his absence. “I don’t want to delay the division. The UFC will organize the necessary fights Once things are resolved, I will inform the UFC that I am ready to begin my comeback.”
Shortly after the Spaniard’s statement, the company led by Dana White announced its plans: Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje They will face each other next January at UFC 324 Lightweight temporary belt.