It may not appear as simple as it seems in the UFC light division.
Champion Ilia Topuria announced a UFC hiatus due to personal issues away from the Octagon, meaning he won’t be returning early next year to make his first defense of the 155-pound title.
In his absence, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje will fight for a newly created interim belt in the main event of UFC 324 on January 24 in Las Vegas, with the pair’s clash marking the very first headliner on Paramount+.
On paper, it seemed that whoever emerged from UFC 324 with the interim title of lightweight champion would unify titles against Topuria at a later date in 2026.
The Spanish star has, however, suggested that the promotion may have other plans in place if a certain result is achieved.
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Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Ilia Topuria hints that UFC doesn’t want him fighting Justin Gaethje if he becomes interim champion
UFC president Dana White appeared to confirm that the winner of next month’s main event at T-Mobile Arena will unify the titles when the champion is ready to return.
But while recently speaking to Carlos Contreras Legaspi for ESPN Deportes, ‘El Matador’ hinted that such a scenario only applies if ‘The Baddy’ has his hand raised on January 24.
“The truth (is) that I will always accept God’s will,”Topuria’s return was discussed (translated via @ChampRDS). “Whatever he wants to happen to me.
“(It) will be good if Paddy wins. If Justin wins, the UFC has different plans that I can’t talk about at this moment,”He added.
Topuria’s reaction to Gaethje vs Pimblett being announced made his preference clear. He’ll be rooting for the Scouser to win so that they can have their long-awaited grudge match.
If events do not unfold that way, it remains to be seen what the UFC has planned for Gaethje’s potential second stint as interim titleholder in the promotion.
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2025-12-14 19:00:00
