Ilia Topuria will not return to the Octagon until at least the summer of 2026, and the UFC lightweight champion has now explained why he stepped away.
Topuria confirmed he is dealing with serious personal issues and has cleared his schedule to focus on them. He spoke in Madrid while promoting WOW FC, the Spanish fight promotion he co-owns.
‘I am going through personal problems’
Topuria said there is no fixed timeline for his return.
“Well, as I have communicated, I am going through personal problems,” Topuria said. “I do not have an exact date when everything will be fixed.”
The decision forced Topuria to miss several major UFC events. He was expected to return on the promotion’s January Paramount+ card, but the UFC quickly adjusted its plans.
“I hope that as soon as possible, as soon as it’s solved, I’ll be ready to go back in the Octagon,” Topuria said. “I prioritize at this time the welfare of my family, of my children.”
He added: “So as soon as everything is solved I will be back to the Octagon and will give it all, the show that everyone deserves.”
UFC relationship remains strong
Despite his absence, Topuria stressed that the UFC supported his decision from the start.
“The truth is that they were excellent with me,” he said. “They have a special connection with me, they have been understanding without having to give a lot of explanations.”
Topuria said the promotion offered support immediately.
“From the very first moment they have extended their hand,” he said. “I have been offered their support in any time I needed it.”
His work as a promoter has changed how he views those conversations.
“Now that I have the experience of going through this part of the sport as a promoter and not only as a fighter, I understand in many more ways,” Topuria said. “So I am very happy, to be honest, for the relationship that I have with the UFC.”
Feud with Paddy Pimblett
Topuria’s break has also cooled his long-running feud with Paddy Pimblett. The pair famously clashed in a hotel three years ago and continued trading insults.
Recently, Pimblett avoided using Topuria’s personal issues as ammunition.
“I always said he looked like someone who’s a super entertaining guy who did a superb job,” Topuria said. “He had his slips with tweets he made about Georgia.”
He continued: “But I think we all learn from our mistakes, and deep down I notice that he is a person that understands family problems, personal problems, respects it.”
Topuria made clear that nothing about the rivalry has disappeared.
“One thing has nothing to do with the other, my personal problems and my personal life,” he said.
“In the end we are professionals, we are going to have a professional match,” Topuria added. “I think it’s going to be a lot of fun for everyone and remains one of the most exciting fights for all the fans.”
