Ilia Topuria faces a critical juncture in his career, as he must be cautious not to make a misstep that could cost him the UFC lightweight championship in 2026.
For Topuria, watching UFC 324 unfold from the sidelines might not be an enjoyable experience. The decision regarding his next challenger will be made on January 24 in Las Vegas, coinciding with the launch of the UFC’s monumental $7.7 billion broadcasting partnership with Paramount. This collaboration will kick off with an interim title match featuring Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje, both vying for a newly established belt while Topuria remains absent as the reigning lightweight champion.
At present, Topuria is taking a break from the UFC, grappling with personal challenges related to his divorce. While he anticipates making a comeback later in 2026, there are concerns voiced by seasoned fighters about how he might handle his return.
Recently, during an episode of "The Fighter vs. The Writer" on MMA Fighting, UFC veteran Matt Brown discussed Topuria’s situation. He warned that the lightweight champion might rush back into the octagon too quickly, potentially jeopardizing his title in the process. Instead of stepping down voluntarily, Brown suggested that Topuria’s eagerness to return could lead him to compete before he is fully prepared, resulting in a loss.
"If Ilia comes back, my bold prediction is that he loses," Brown stated. "He may come back too soon, still burdened by the emotional turmoil, and as a result, he might not perform at his best. I believe Ilia is intelligent, so I am conflicted about this prediction. Fighters often dislike being inactive; they crave the thrill of fighting and the spotlight that comes with it. I suspect he will struggle with that temptation."
Brown expressed concern that despite Topuria’s physical readiness, the weight of his personal issues could impact his performance when he attempts to re-enter the competitive arena.
In a related discussion, Michael Chandler weighed in on the potential outcomes of the upcoming interim title fight, predicting that Justin Gaethje would triumph over Pimblett and subsequently challenge Topuria, possibly leading to his dethronement. "Gaethje is a different beast altogether," Chandler remarked. "If I had to speculate, I would lean towards Gaethje winning the interim championship and later defeating Ilia Topuria this year."
As the anticipation builds for UFC 324, all eyes will be on whether Justin Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett secures the interim lightweight title, setting the stage for what lies ahead for Topuria.
What are your thoughts on the potential matchup between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria? How do you foresee this super-fight unfolding? We invite you to share your opinions in the comments below. Join the conversation and express your insights!
