Ilia Topuria plans to return to MMA in the spring to defend his belt against the interim lightweight champion, while expressing interest in fighting Islam Makhachev and dismissing Arman Tsarukyan‘s title shot claims.
Ilia Topuria, it seems, won’t be sidelined for long. Back in November, he announced a break from MMA to tackle personal issues. In his absence, the UFC lined up Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett for an interim lightweight title clash at UFC 324. Fans hoped for Topuria’s return to unify the belts, and now, “El Matador” confirms that’s his plan.
On Friday, Topuria took to social media with a bold claim: aiming for Knockout of the Year in 2026. Odd, right? Especially without a return date. But he quickly clarified—spring is the target. He plans to face the interim champ then.
“April-June,” he commented, pinpointing the winner of Paddy vs. Justin. If it happens, it aligns perfectly with UFC White House in June. Topuria’s eager to compete there. But his eyes are also on welterweight champ Islam Makhachev, a fight he’s chased for over a year. Confident? Oh, absolutely.
“Not even in his dreams,” Topuria quipped to someone suggesting Makhachev would submit him. “He’s bad even at dreaming.” Classic Topuria.
Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan, a top lightweight contender, seems overlooked. Despite having a strong claim to a title shot, he’s not in the picture. Topuria’s take on Tsarukyan? Just one word.