UFC lightweight champ Ilia Topuria steps away through early 2026, due to 'difficult moment in my personal life'

The UFC will be without Ilia Topuria for at least a few months.

The promotion's lightweight champion announced Thursday that he will not be fighting in the first quarter of 2026 due to a "difficult moment in my personal life," explaining that he wants to focus on his children and resolving the situation.

No details were provided, and Topuria gave the UFC his blessing to arrange "the matchups needed" until he lets them know he's ready to return.

The development removes an electric star from the UFC's roster for the foreseeable future. Over the span of two years, Topuria has won the promotion's featherweight title with a win over future Hall of Famer Alexander Volkanovski, defended it against future Hall of Famer Max Holloway and then defeated future Hall of Famer Charles Oliveira for a second belt in his jump to lightweight. All wins were KOs via punches.

Holloway was among those wishing Topuria well, which the champ appreciated.

Topuria, who now ranks second in Uncrowned's pound-for-pound rankings, hasn't fought since the Oliveira fight at UFC 317 in June. He had no shortage of potential challengers in his new division, most notably old rival Paddy Pimblett and the top-ranked Arman Tsarukyan.

Both men have called out Topuria and are riding at least five-bout win streaks.

It felt like a gimme that Topuria's first lightweight title defense would be set up soon, especially after Tsarukyan's dominant win over Dan Hooker and call-out of the champ, but the promotion now has some decisions to make. There could be an interim belt set up in the meantime, but UFC CEO Dana White is going to be primarily hoping for a quick resolution on Topuria's end.