TLDR
- Ilia Topuria announced he will not fight in early 2026 due to personal issues related to a reported divorce
- Max Holloway sent a message of support to Topuria, sharing his own experience with divorce while fighting
- Topuria thanked Holloway for his support despite their recent rivalry and knockout loss at UFC 308
- UFC has created an interim lightweight title fight between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje for UFC 324 in January
- Topuria plans to return and unify the title once his divorce is finalized and his children are settled
Ilia Topuria will not defend his UFC lightweight championship in early 2026. The undefeated champion announced this week he needs time away from fighting to focus on his children during a reported divorce.
Topuria posted his decision on X on Thursday. He wrote that he is going through a difficult moment in his personal life. The Spanish fighter said he wants to resolve the situation as quickly as possible while putting his children first.
The lightweight champion doesn’t want to hold up the division during his absence. He gave the UFC permission to create fights without him. Topuria plans to notify the organization when he is ready to return to the octagon.
Reports have surfaced in recent weeks about difficulties in Topuria’s marriage to his wife, Georgia. Sources suggest the couple is heading toward divorce. The champion has not confirmed specific details about his personal situation.
Max Holloway responded to Topuria’s announcement with a supportive message. The former featherweight champion has personal experience with similar challenges. Holloway went through his own divorce while maintaining his fighting career.
“Sorry to hear champ,” Holloway wrote on social media. “If it’s what I’m hearing it is I know the struggle first hand trying to fight while protecting your kids. Hope all goes well.”
Topuria thanked Holloway for the support. “Thanks for the support, brother,” he responded. “All the best for you and your family.”
Former Rivals Show Respect
The exchange marks a respectful turn in their relationship. Topuria knocked out Holloway at UFC 308 in October 2024. The fight was Topuria’s only featherweight title defense before he moved up to lightweight.
Both fighters have traded verbal shots since their bout. Holloway previously criticized Topuria for carrying around a replica BMF belt. The knockout loss was the first time Holloway had been stopped in his career.
Their recent messages show the competitive nature of their rivalry hasn’t eliminated mutual respect. Holloway drew on his own difficult experiences to offer genuine support. Topuria accepted the gesture and returned well wishes.
UFC Creates Interim Title Fight
The UFC moved quickly to keep the lightweight division active. Dana White announced an interim title fight for UFC 324 on January 24 in Las Vegas. Paddy Pimblett will face Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight championship.
The winner of that fight will likely face Topuria in a unification bout when he returns. Pimblett has called out Topuria multiple times in recent months. Gaethje brings veteran experience and knockout power to the matchup.
The interim title creation has frustrated some fighters in the division. Arman Tsarukyan, the top-ranked lightweight contender, expressed confusion on social media. He wrote “Make it make sense” after the announcement.
Topuria won the lightweight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira in June 2024. He had vacated his featherweight belt earlier that year to move up in weight. The victory over Oliveira came in the first round.
Before that, Topuria knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to claim the featherweight championship in February 2024. He defended that title once against Holloway before vacating it. Topuria remains undefeated in his professional MMA career.
The UFC 324 card will take place in Las Vegas and features multiple title fights. Kayla Harrison faces Amanda Nunes for the bantamweight title. Sean O’Malley will fight Song Yadong on the same card.
Topuria has not provided a specific timeline for his return to competition. He stated he will inform the UFC once his personal matters are resolved and he is ready to fight again.
