Ilia Topuria is set to vacate his UFC Lightweight Title with his octagon return delayed to spring next year.<\/b><\/p>\n
The undefeated MMA phenom was scheduled to defend his 155-pound belt at UFC 324 in January, but is now expected to vacate his belt instead.<\/span><\/p>\n Dominant MMA star Ilia Topuria is officially set to vacate his UFC Lightweight Title in a shocking move.<\/span><\/p>\n Topuria became UFC lightweight king after knocking out former champion and future Hall of Famer Charles Topuria inside one round of their UFC 317 main event back in June.<\/span><\/p>\n The 28-year-old looked set to make his first defence of the 155-pound belt early next year, with <\/span>Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett confirmed for UFC 324<\/span><\/a> in January. However, it seems that is no longer the case.<\/span><\/p>\n Instead, the 17-0 unbeaten Spanish-Georgian MMA phenom will officially vacate his UFC Lightweight Title and fully relinquish his belt in a shocking move that has surprised everyone in the world of mixed martial arts.<\/span><\/p>\n Topuria has made it crystal clear in his career to date that he wants to create history, whether that be by becoming the first three-division UFC champion or breaking another record to solidify his position as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.<\/span><\/p>\n Whether this move from \u2018El Matador\u2019 means he is planning on moving up in weight once more remains to be seen. Topuria has made no secret of his desire to face Islam Makhachev, who is the latest two-weight UFC champion after winning the welterweight belt at UFC 322.<\/span><\/p>\n A move up to 170-pounds could well be on the cards for the Spaniard, as he attempts to become the first three-division UFC champion in history. Another potential avenue would be a fight with Makhachev in the new UFC 165-pound division, which has also been heavily rumoured.<\/span><\/p>\n \ud83d\udea8 Ilia Topuria is rumored to be vacating the lightweight title, & won\u2019t return until spring 2026\u2026 He claims we\u2019re going to be very surprised what happens with the #ufc<\/a> lightweight division #iliatopuria<\/a> #mma<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/IIPN6rIUuW<\/a><\/p>\n — West Till Death (@WestTillDeath) November 27, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nIlia Topuria Set To Vacate UFC Lightweight Title<\/h2>\n
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