Ilia Topuria’s Tweet on UFC Future as Gaethje vs Pimblett at UFC 324 Confirmed

Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has revealed why he “won’t be fighting” in the UFC in the immediate future. The adopted Spaniard spoke out on social media shortly before Dana White announced that Justin Gaethje would face Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on the 24th of January.

White revealed the news at the Kansas City Chiefs vs Dallas Cowboys NFL Thanksgiving game, confirming that the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will host what promises to be one of the most stacked cards in recent memory.

Pimblett’s future had been the subject of intense speculation amongst UFC fans in recent months, with many eager to see the charismatic Liverpudlian back in action amid his current winning streak. The 30-year-old has not competed since his dominant TKO victory over Michael Chandler in April, and had previously hinted at a bout with Ilia Topuria, with whom he has clashed with on numerous occasions. That showdown will have to wait, though winning the interim title provides Pimblett with the opportunity to gain the position of number one contender.

Gaethje certainly remains a fan favourite, though the hype surrounding him has arguably diminished following his brutal knockout loss to Max Holloway in April 2024. The 37-year-old hasn’t fought since defeating Rafael Fiziev for the second time in two years in March, making this interim title shot a crucial opportunity to re-establish himself at the top of the lightweight division.

While the fight is sure to be an exciting one, it’s not the clash that the UFC wanted to book. However, after 155lbs titleholder Topuria told the promotion he wouldn’t be fighting for the forseeable future, the company opted to stage an interim title bout.

Why Ilia Topuria ‘Won’t Be Fighting’ at UFC 324

Taking to X on Thursday, the Georgian champion revealed he would be stepping away from the sport temporarily, writing: “I won’t be fighting in the first quarter of next year. I’m going through a difficult moment in my personal life. I want to focus on my children and resolve this situation as soon as possible. I don’t want to hold up the division. The UFC will make the matchups needed, and as soon as the matters are resolved I’ll let the UFC know I’m ready to begin my return.”

Topuria’s statement appears to be connected to his ongoing divorce from his wife Georgina, which was revealed in October. What makes this announcement particularly striking is the dramatic shift in his public persona over recent weeks. In early October, when rumours of the split first began to circulate, Topuria posted defiantly to Instagram: “The king is coming. Nobody’s safe. Line them up. The takeover continues!!!” Just weeks later, that bravado has been replaced by a candid admission that he needs to step away from the sport entirely for the time being.

Even though he’s declared himself out of action for the first quarter of 2026, the 28-year-old’s insistence that he doesn’t want to hold up the division indicates he has no clear timeline for his return, which is particularly concerning given his recent dominance. There’s been no mention of him either vacating the lightweight title or the UFC stripping him of the crown.

Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett Set to Headline Stacked UFC 324 Card

Topuria had been expected to defend his title at UFC 324, with both Gaethje and Pimblett considered frontrunners for a shot at his belt. His sudden withdrawal has forced the UFC’s hand, leading to the creation of an interim title bout. The fact that White was able to announce a fully formed card just hours after Topuria’s statement suggests the promotion had plenty of advance warning of the champion’s situation.

Now, with the champion temporarily sidelined, “The Highlight” and “The Baddy” will battle for the interim title, with the winner positioned to face Topuria upon his return. This adds an element of uncertainty to the bout, as neither fighter knows when that unification fight might actually materialise. Although, on the face of it, it appears nicely timed for the UFC White House card in June 2026, that relies on Topuria only needing the first quarter of the year away from the sport.

The stacked card will also feature the highly-anticipated return of UFC Hall of Famer Amanda Nunes, who faces Kayla Harrison in what White has described as “the biggest women’s fight ever.” After defeating Irene Aldana in June 2023, Nunes announced her retirement from the sport, only to reverse that decision in June this year.

Elsewhere, Sean O’Malley will make his octagon return against Song Yadong following consecutive defeats to Merab Dvalishvili, making this bout crucial for his championship aspirations.

However, all eyes will ultimately be on Topuria’s situation, with the MMA world hoping whatever difficulties he’s facing can be resolved swiftly, allowing him to return and unify the lightweight title once again.