Ilia Topuria has made it clear that his absence from the Octagon is not about leverage, negotiation, or avoiding competition. Instead, the undefeated UFC lightweight champion says the pause in his career is driven by personal circumstances that required his full attention and the UFC responded with understanding rather than pressure.
Speaking publicly while attending a WOW FC event in Madrid, the Spanish Georgian star explained that there is no firm return date and that his focus remains firmly on family matters.
“Well, as I have communicated, I am going through personal problems,” Topuria said. “I do not have an exact date when everything will be fixed. I hope that as soon as possible, as soon as it’s solved, I’ll be ready to go back in the Octagon. I prioritize at this time the welfare of my family, of my children. So as soon as everything is solved I will be back to the Octagon and will give it all, the show that everyone deserves.”
UFC Response Earns Public Praise
Despite being one of the promotion’s most valuable champions, Topuria says the UFC never pressured him to rush his return or justify his decision.
Instead, he described the organization’s reaction as supportive from the beginning.
“The truth is that they were excellent with me,” Topuria said of UFC brass. “They have a special connection with me, they have been understanding without having to give a lot of explanations. From the very first moment they have extended their hand, I have been offered their support in any time I needed it.”
Topuria also noted that owning and promoting WOW FC alongside Cristiano Ronaldo has given him a new perspective on the business side of combat sports.
“Now that I have the experience of going through this part of the sport as a promoter and not only as a fighter, I understand in many more ways that perhaps I was not able to understand before. So I am very happy, to be honest, for the relationship that I have with the UFC, and the understanding they have had with me.”
Ilia Topuria reveals the UFC has different plans for Justin Gaethje if he wins against Paddy.
“If Justin Gaethje wins, the UFC has different plans that I can’t talk about at this moment. I don’t know how capable he will be of ruining the plans of the UFC and Paddy.”
(via… pic.twitter.com/7DS7AS3rUJ
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 14, 2025
Pimblett Rivalry Remains Professional
While his rivalry with Paddy Pimblett continues to simmer, Topuria stressed that personal matters have remained off limits between them.
“I always said he looked like someone who’s a super entertaining guy who did a superb job,” Topuria said. “He had his slips with tweets he made about Georgia. But I think we all learn from our mistakes, and deep down I notice that he is a person that understands family problems, personal problems, respects it. One thing has nothing to do with the other, my personal problems and my personal life.”
He made it clear that once business resumes, emotions will be left outside the cage.
“In the end we are professionals, we are going to have a professional match, and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun for everyone and remains one of the most exciting fights for all the fans.”
With Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett set to fight at UFC 324, Topuria acknowledged that the result could shape his future, though not necessarily in predictable ways.
“I always accept God’s will, whatever He wants to happen will be good if Paddy wins,” Topuria joked.
Paddy Pimblett sends some love to Ilia Topuria but claims he’s the real lightweight champion if he wins
“Me and Ilia might not like each other but I wish him nothing but the best with this family s**t. When I win the belt I’m the champ for now I don’t care if it says interim” pic.twitter.com/Mt7a3zUBRU
— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) December 6, 2025
If Gaethje emerges victorious, Topuria hinted at alternate plans that remain undisclosed.
“If Justin wins, the UFC has different plans that I can’t talk about at this moment. But if I were offered to fight Justin at the White House, that would also be very exciting for me. It would be something I would be very excited about.”
He also questioned how easily Gaethje could derail what the UFC already has mapped out.
“I don’t know how capable he will be of ruining the plans of the UFC, and Paddy Pimblett’s plans,” he added. “It’s going to be quite difficult, not impossible, so I wish him all the luck. But I don’t know if he’d be lucky beating Paddy Pimblett because then he has to fight me, and that’s not very lucky.”
No Final Decision Yet
Even attending UFC 324 is still uncertain as Topuria and his team continue evaluating his schedule.
“We are making decisions at this time whether we will make that trip or not,” he said. “But I hope so.” via MMAMania
Ilia Topuria’s most recent appearance came in June 2025, when he stopped Charles Oliveira in the opening round to claim the unoccupied UFC lightweight championship. His absence since that victory has been driven by off cage priorities, not injury or fitness concerns.
