Ilia Topuria, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, is taking a break from competition to focus on personal matters, particularly his family, and has announced he won’t fight in early 2024, ensuring the division can proceed without delay.
Ilia Topuria is taking a step back from competition. The reigning UFC lightweight champ shared some personal news on social media Thursday.
Topuria mentioned he’s “going through a difficult moment in my personal life.” He wants to focus on his children and resolve the situation quickly.
Check out Topuria’s full statement below. He emphasized not wanting to “hold up the division.”
“I won’t be fighting in the first quarter of next year,” he wrote. “I’m going through a difficult moment in my personal life.”
“I don’t want to hold up the division,” he continued. “The UFC will make the matchups needed, and as soon as the matters are resolved I’ll let the UFC know I’m ready to begin my return.”
Topuria, undefeated at 17-0, had quite the 2025. After knockout wins over Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski in 2024, he eyed the lightweight division.
Islam Makhachev moved up to welterweight, leaving Topuria to battle Charles Oliveira for the vacant 155-pound title at UFC 317. Topuria claimed victory with a first-round knockout.
Now, he’s the 10th fighter in UFC history to win titles in two divisions. Impressive, right?
He’s ranked No. 2 in MMA Fighting’s Pound-for-Pound Rankings. Only Makhachev stands above him, having also become a two-division champ.
The lightweight division is buzzing with contenders like Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. Both are eager for a shot at “El Matador.”
But they’ll have to wait until at least April. Holloway, showing class, took to social media to support his past rival.