UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has finally shared his thoughts on the upcoming interim lightweight title fight scheduled for January 24, 2026, at UFC 324 in Las Vegas. The event, the first under the Paramount banner, will feature two title fights, including the interim lightweight bout between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje.
Topuria announced a temporary hiatus from competition, which led the UFC to create the interim belt. Despite being absent, Topuria is closely watching the developments and has already expressed who he wants to see win.
A Message for Paddy Pimblett
Topuria, known as “El Matador,” has maintained a longstanding rivalry with Liverpudlian contender Paddy Pimblett, who is now set to headline UFC 324. Topuria made his position clear on social media:
“Paddy, win your next fight. Hands up, chin down,” he wrote on X.
The champion’s words are both advice and encouragement, signaling that he supports Pimblett’s bid for the interim title despite the fighter’s controversial status among some fans.
Paddy Win your next fight. Hands up, chin down… and Arman Petuh, this dance is for you 🤣 pic.twitter.com/fk9qiyQu5n
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) November 30, 2025
Mocking Arman Tsarukyan
Topuria also took a jab at Arman Tsarukyan, the top-ranked lightweight contender who was bypassed for a title shot. In a post including a playful video of a dancing child resembling Pimblett, he wrote:
“Arman Petuh, this dance is for you (laughing emojis).”
This message reinforces Topuria’s confidence in the UFC’s current matchmaking while highlighting his ongoing rivalry with Tsarukyan.
Pimblett will need to defeat Gaethje to claim the interim belt and potentially face Topuria later in the year to unify the lightweight titles. Topuria’s comments indicate he expects this matchup to happen sooner rather than later, keeping fans excited for the spring or summer showdown.
The UFC 324 card also marks the beginning of a new era for the promotion, now operating under the Paramount banner, adding extra weight to these high-stakes bouts.
