Ilia Topuria Faces Countdown as UFC Lightweight Title on the Line

Ilia Topuria’s time as lightweight champion is ticking away, not from the UFC, but from a rival observing from the sidelines. Topuria has been absent from the Octagon since winning the title in June due to personal issues. The division has shown patience, realizing that personal matters can impact a fighter’s career.

While awaiting Topuria’s return, the UFC has organized an interim lightweight title match between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. With the division moving forward, Pimblett recently stated that Topuria risks losing his title if he doesn’t return soon.

Ilia Topuria could lose title if he doesn’t return

Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria have a long-standing rivalry that intensified during an incident at UFC London, where the two exchanged punches, and Topuria threw a sanitizer bottle at Pimblett.

Despite the conflict, Pimblett recognized Topuria’s personal challenges, saying, “He’s dealing with a lot in his personal life. That’s separate from our fight; I wish him the best. My focus is on getting in the ring to fight him when the time is right,” he told Carlos Contreras Legaspi.

While Pimblett shows some understanding towards Topuria, he remains focused on his ambition to be champion. He stated, “If he doesn’t come back by July, he might have to vacate his belt. Then I will be the undisputed champion without even fighting.”