Published on: January 5, 2026, 10:33h.
Updated on: January 5, 2026, 10:54h.
- Paddy Pimblett is set to compete for the interim lightweight title against Justin Gaethje on January 24 in Las Vegas
- Ilia Topuria, currently on hiatus from the UFC, has provided a statement regarding his circumstances
- Pimblett suggests that Topuria should relinquish the lightweight title if he remains absent for an extended period
The highly anticipated interim UFC Lightweight title clash between No. 4 ranked Justin Gaethje and No. 5 Paddy Pimblett is just around the corner. Scheduled to take place on January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, this match does not deter Pimblett from contemplating a future grudge match with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.
“Should Paddy emerge victorious against Gaethje—and I believe he will—it should lead to a showdown with Ilia,” stated UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall during a podcast with Pimblett. “That match would be monumental in MMA history.”
Pimblett chimed in: “We must monitor what occurs with him. Even though our relationship isn’t the best, I do have some empathy. There are reports that Ilia may not return for a year, and things might get complicated. If he’s going to be absent that long, I’d prefer he step aside and not hinder the division. However, I want to face him. I aim to prove I can defeat him. It’s a tricky situation.”
Topuria Takes a Break from UFC
In November, Topuria announced his decision to step back from the UFC, citing a “challenging phase” in his personal life and stating he was being extorted over unfounded domestic abuse allegations.
Topuria has become one of the UFC’s most marketable athletes after an impressive streak, which includes a stunning knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024 to claim the UFC featherweight title. He successfully defended his title against Max Holloway at UFC 308, then ascended to lightweight, securing the vacant title with a first-round KO of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June.
Topuria Releases a Statement
Recently, Topuria provided an update to the public regarding his situation:
“I have always appreciated the respectful coverage I have received from the media, which has been a crucial part of my journey throughout the years,” Topuria remarked.
“Regrettably, I find myself in the news for reasons unrelated to sports.”
“I recognize that being a public figure exposes one to false narratives and sensational headlines crafted purely for clicks, disregarding the truth and its repercussions.”
Topuria further disclosed that on Sunday, “a news outlet disseminated a false article claiming that I had been ordered to appear in a domestic violence case.” He asserted that the headline was incorrect and that he has never been summoned for such a matter, “though I would of course comply if ever required.”
He continued, explaining that he does have a court summons, but it pertains strictly to a family and administrative issue regarding his daughter’s travel outside of Spain. He lamented that he hasn’t seen his daughter in four months despite numerous efforts.
UFC 324 Betting Odds
Topuria mentioned that he continues to place his faith in God, justice, and people.
“I am confident the truth will come out, and I will soon reunite with one of the two most important people in my life, alongside my son Hugo: my daughter, Giorgina. I only ask of the media the same respect and accuracy that most have consistently shown me, and that they adhere to the facts, as the truth has a singular path.”
As for the odds, DraftKings has listed Pimblett as the favorite for UFC 324 at -230, with Gaethje at +190. Meanwhile, FanDuel shows the fight odds at Pimblett -230 and Gaethje +176.