Ilia Topuria teases spring return. Reigning UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is gearing up for a return to action in spring 2026, and he has made it clear who he wants next.
Topuria has been away from the Octagon since late 2025, when he stepped back from competition
to handle personal matters, including a custody situation, and stated he would not fight in the first quarter of 2026. His absence prompted the UFC to book the interim lightweight title fight now headlining UFC 324 on January 24 with Gaethje and Pimblett battling for the temporary belt.
The Georgian-Spanish champion has now hinted his return will come soon after that interim title fight wraps up. In replies to fans on social media, Topuria wrote that he expects to return between April and June, specifically noting he plans to face the winner between Paddy and Justin.
“April-June,” Topuria said in the comments. “The winner between Paddy and Justin”
That timeline coincides with the promotion’s historic White House card event being planned on the South Lawn of the White House making it a likely stage for a big lightweight unification fight. Topuria has previously expressed interest in competing at that event, and facing the interim champion would be a marquee matchup.
Before stepping away, Topuria cemented himself as one of MMA’s top stars with a sensational knockout of Charles Oliveira in June 2025 to claim the vacant lightweight title, adding to his already strong MMA resume. At just 28 and undefeated, Topuria is already among the sport’s most bankable champions, and a strong return matchup could further elevate the growing prestige of the lightweight division.
Topuria’s announcement also showed confidence in his plans for 2026. Alongside teasing his return, he stated his intention to earn “Knockout of the Year” honours during the upcoming campaign, signalling he plans to come back in top form.
Although some fans and fighters have questioned how the division will unfold while Topuria is away, his fresh comments put him firmly back into the picture. With Gaethje and Pimblett set to fight for the interim belt in January, the stage is now set for a potential unification matchup that could define the lightweight scene for the year.
