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Topuria Prepares for Lightweight Title Defense in 2026
The undefeated UFC champion looks to face the winner of Gaethje vs. Pimblett interim title fight.
Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:45pm
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Topuria's title defense will be a high-stakes clash of styles and strategies as the champion looks to maintain his undefeated record.Las Vegas TodayUFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is gearing up to defend his title sometime between April and June 2026, as he recently revealed on social media. Topuria, who holds an undefeated 17-0 record, took a break from fighting late last year to address personal matters, including dealing with allegations of domestic abuse. During his hiatus, the UFC organized an interim title bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, set to headline UFC 324 next weekend in Las Vegas.
Why it matters
Topuria's return to the Octagon will be highly anticipated, as he looks to solidify his reign as the UFC lightweight champion. The interim title fight between Gaethje and Pimblett will determine Topuria's next challenger, adding intrigue to the division's immediate future.
The details
Topuria, who became a two-weight champion within the UFC last June with a stunning knockout victory over former champion Charles Oliveira, has also expressed ambitions of moving up to the welterweight division to challenge former lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev. However, it seems likely he will need to defend his current lightweight title at least once before making that leap.
- Topuria plans to return to the Octagon sometime between April and June 2026.
- The interim title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett is scheduled to headline UFC 324 next weekend in Las Vegas.
The players
Ilia Topuria
The undefeated UFC lightweight champion who holds a 17-0 record.
Justin Gaethje
A top-ranked UFC lightweight fighter who will compete in an interim title bout against Paddy Pimblett.
Paddy Pimblett
A rising UFC lightweight fighter who will compete in an interim title bout against Justin Gaethje.
Charles Oliveira
The former UFC lightweight champion whom Topuria defeated to become a two-weight champion within the promotion.
Islam Makhachev
The former UFC lightweight champion whom Topuria has expressed interest in challenging in the welterweight division.
What they’re saying
“April-June. The winner between Paddy and Justin.”
— Ilia Topuria, UFC Lightweight Champion
“Topuria's return to the Octagon will be highly anticipated, as he looks to solidify his reign as the UFC lightweight champion.”
— Brett Okamoto, ESPN Journalist
What’s next
The winner of the interim title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 will face Ilia Topuria for the UFC lightweight championship sometime between April and June 2026.
The takeaway
Ilia Topuria's return to the UFC will be a highly anticipated event, as the undefeated champion looks to defend his lightweight title against the winner of the Gaethje-Pimblett interim title bout. This sets up an intriguing matchup that will keep the lightweight division active while Topuria was away addressing personal matters.
