Ilia Topuria is extra targeted than ever and has even greater plans in 2026. Topuria is at present on a hiatus from preventing as he’s going by way of a divorce. The Georgian-Spaniard is anticipated to return to the octagon after the first quarter of 2026.
In 2025, ‘El Matador’ vacated his featherweight championship in pursuit of light-weight gold. Topuria moved as much as light-weight within the hopes of preventing then-155-pound champion, Islam Makhachev. Nevertheless, Makhachev vacated and moved as much as welterweight.
Topuria then captured the vacant throne by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
After the UFC 317 victory, Topuria confronted off towards longtime rival Paddy Pimblett. There have been rumors of ‘El Matador’ vs. ‘The Baddy’ subsequent. Nevertheless, due to Topuria’s hiatus, the promotion introduced an interim title fight between Justin Gaethje and Pimblett, which is able to headline UFC 324.
The winner of the Gaethje vs. Pimblett bout will tackle Topuria in a title unification bout later this yr. ‘El Matador’ plans to defend his title towards Pimblett subsequent after which transfer up and struggle Makhachev for a 3rd belt. He additionally needs to dethrone the Russian and recapture the P4P throne.
Ilia Topuria’s message to followers on New Yr’s Eve: “I’ll proceed to do even greater issues”
On New Yr’s Eve, ‘El Matador’ shared a photograph of himself holding each UFC belts, telling followers he’s extra targeted than ever in 2026 and that even greater issues are on the best way. He posted:
“This yr has been a journey filled with nice wins and likewise sudden twists. Generally life pulls us out of the script we had imagined, however it’s exactly in these twists and turns the place essentially the most invaluable classes and the true surprises seem. I’ve realized to worth each second with my household and by no means remorse something, as a result of the perfect is at all times but to return. And despite the fact that I’ve achieved rather a lot this yr, I do know I’m not at my greatest but. I’m extra targeted than ever. In 2026, I’ll proceed to do even greater issues. The most effective is but to be written.”
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