UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria could be forced to vacate his title if his hiatus from the sport continues for too long, according to interim title challenger Paddy Pimblett. With Topuria on a personal break until at least April 2026, the UFC has booked an interim lightweight title fight between Pimblett and Justin Gaethje for UFC 324 in January.
The move has ignited significant controversy, drawing sharp criticism from fighters outside the promotion. The central dispute revolves around the perceived merit of the interim title bout, with many arguing the shot should belong to the division’s clear top contender, Arman Tsarukyan.
The Champion’s Absence & The Interim Solution
Reigning champion Ilia “El Matador” Topuria has stated he intends to take an extended break from competition to focus on personal and family matters. While no official UFC policy mandates a champion vacate for a year-long absence, prolonged inactivity often forces the promotion’s hand to keep divisions active.
Pimblett amplified these concerns in a recent interview, suggesting the title could be in jeopardy. “If he’s not back by… mid-2026, then I think he’ll have to vacate,” Pimblett stated. This uncertainty prompted the UFC to create an interim title, ensuring a champion is ready to unify the belts upon Topuria’s return in the second quarter of 2026 or later.
The Controversial Interim Matchup: Why Gaethje vs. Pimblett?
The booking of Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim strap has been the source of intense debate. Critics point to Arman Tsarukyan—who holds a victory over current welterweight champion Islam Makhachev and is widely ranked #1—as the more deserving contender.
The UFC’s rationale stems from a pivotal moment in early 2025. Tsarukyan was scheduled for a title fight against then-champion Makhachev but withdrew on short notice due to a back injury. UFC CEO Dana White addressed the situation bluntly, stating Tsarukyan would have to “work his way back” into contention after turning down the opportunity.
This decision has been labelled as prioritising business over pure sport. PFL champion Usman Nurmagomedov vocally criticised the matchmaking, stating, “UFC is the place where the best fighters in the world are fighting each other. Best fighters. Not who [is] more popular.”
The Road to Unification and a Division on Hold
The winner of Gaethje vs. Pimblett at UFC 324 will be crowned interim champion and is expected to face Topuria in a title unification bout in the latter half of 2026. This creates a clear, if contentious, path forward for the division.
Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan remains in a holding pattern. Rather than taking another UFC fight immediately, he has opted to stay active in grappling competitions, with a high-profile “submission only” jiu-jitsu match scheduled for December 30. His path back to a UFC title shot now requires a significant win against a top-five opponent, a scenario that leaves the division’s most proven contender on the sidelines during its most high-profile moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ilia Topuria not defending his title?
Topuria is taking a voluntary break from competition to attend to personal and family matters. He is not expected to return to the Octagon until April 2026 at the earliest.
Why is Arman Tsarukyan not fighting for the interim title?
Tsarukyan was removed from the immediate title picture after he withdrew from a scheduled title fight against Islam Makhachev on short notice in January 2025 due to injury. UFC leadership stated he must now “work his way back.”
What did Usman Nurmagomedov say about the UFC’s matchmaking?
The PFL champion criticised the UFC for prioritising popularity over merit, specifically questioning Paddy Pimblett’s resume and stating the best fighters, not the most popular, should be competing for titles.
When is the interim title fight?
Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim UFC lightweight championship is scheduled as the main event of UFC 324 in January 2026.
What is Arman Tsarukyan doing now?
While waiting for his next UFC opportunity, Tsarukyan is staying active in grappling. He is scheduled for a “submission only” jiu-jitsu match against Shara Magomedov on December 30.
