Despite the challenge from Arman Tsarukyan, Ilia Topuria rules out a return in early 2026, according to a journalist.

Ilia Topuria He is the UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/iliatopuria

MMA fans will have to wait a little longer to see the return of Ilia Topuria to the most famous octagon in the world. According to journalist Álvaro Comenero, the Georgian/Spanish fighter does not plan a return in the first months of 2026. El Matador only had one fight in the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg) in... UFC 317, when he knocked out Charles of the Bronx in the first round and became the new owner of the belt, after the transition of Islam makhachev to middleweights (up to 77,1 kg).

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According to Colmenero, who has a close relationship with Topuria and other Spanish fighters, the lightweight champion should return starting at the end of March.

“A lot has changed. There have been private situations, and you will be very surprised by what will happen in the lightweight division. I can confirm that Ilia will not fight in January. February? I highly doubt it. If you ask me, I think Ilia will fight in the spring,” he stated.

Ilia Topuria will NOT fight in January 2026, per @KOlmeneroMMA

"Things have changed a lot. There have been private situations, and you're going to be very surprised at what's going to happen in lightweight.

I can confirm that Ilia will not fight in January. February? I… pic.twitter.com/ruOeEjc4Fe

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 26, 2025

The information emerges in a curious context. Arman Tsarukyan, ranked first in the category and who won Dan Hooker Last Saturday (22), he made himself available to return to the octagon in January to be the opponent in the Georgian/Spanish fighter's first title defense.

Topuria and Tsarukyan have been experiencing strong rivalry

Moment of the alleged slap of Ilia Topuria (dir.) in
Arman Tsarukyan (left). Photo: Reproduction / Twitter

Key names in the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg), Arman Tsarukyan e Ilia Topuria He has been involved in more and more online discussions recently. Clearly dissatisfied with the Georgian/Spanish player's resistance to facing him, the Armenian went so far as to call the champion "Pato," a slang term in English used to describe a cowardly person.