UFC champion Ilya Topria will not be out of our lives for lengthy.
Topria, a former UFC featherweight champion and present light-weight champion, is taking a break from competing to cope with private points exterior of the cage. These points concerned custody of his daughter, and a few followers feared he could be sidelined for an prolonged time frame. Nonetheless, the champion has made it clear that he hopes to combat once more within the spring or summer season.
Topria spoke with Marca reporter Irati Pratt about her plans for a comeback. He mentioned the deadline will depend on whether or not the whole lot goes in keeping with plan, maybe relating to household issues.
🚨 Ilya Topria is aiming to return in late spring/summer season 2026 if all goes in keeping with plan 👀
(through @IratiPratSC, @mark) pic.twitter.com/Glj6XZW6f2
— Championship Spherical (@ChampRDS) January 9, 2026
Ilya Topria’s unimaginable efficiency within the UFC
Ilya Topria boasts an undefeated file of 17 wins and 0 losses. He’s presently on what might be the perfect three-fight successful streak in UFC historical past. In his final combat, he knocked out Brazilian legend Charles Oliveira to win the light-weight belt. Previous to that, he knocked out featherweight legend Max Holloway, changing into the primary man to defend a belt in that division. In his earlier combat, he received the featherweight title by knocking out one other legend, Alexander Volkanovski. He spent the final yr jockeying alongside Islam Makhachev for the highest pound-for-pound spot within the UFC.
If Topuria returns as deliberate this spring or summer season, the winner of the subsequent Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje combat will doubtless be his opponent. The pair are scheduled to combat for the interim light-weight belt at UFC 324 on January twenty fourth, with Arman Tsarukyan additionally an possibility.
