With Topuria absent, UFC 324 could feature another explosive lightweight bout; find out why.

Ilia is the lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

Se Ilia Topuria must not return In the first events of 2026, the Ultimate seems to be finding ways to maintain the flow in the lightweight division (up to 79,3 kg). According to journalist Álvaro Colmenero, who also reported that El Matador is only expected to return in the spring, the UFC 324, the company's first event on Paramount+, is expected to be the stage for a showdown between Justin gaethje e Paddy Pimblett.

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According to the Spanish journalist, the duel between the Briton and the American should not be for an interim title, but rather just a... title eliminator, so that the champion would later face the winner. In this way, Arman Tsarukyan It would be left aside.

"With Ilia not fighting in January, there are rumors that..." Justin gaethje will fight against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 on the first card of UFC Paramount. Several sources have informed me that the fight that will take place at UFC 324 will be between Paddy Pimblett e Justin gaethje"As I also heard DC say. In my opinion, this will be the main event. My interpretation is that the winner of this fight will face Ilia in the spring/summer, unless he is scheduled to fight Islam Makhachey at the White House or International Fighting Week. In that whole situation, Tsarukyan is out of the question in the short term. I think he deserves to be next on his own merit, but that's how things can unfold," Colmenero stated.

With Ilia Topuria not fighting in January, it is rumored that Justin gaethje will fight Paddy Pimblett at #UFC324 on the first UFC Paramount card

“Multiple sources have told me that the fight to be held at UFC 324 is Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin gaethje, as I also heard DC… pic.twitter.com/dNfzqFwdHX

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 27, 2025

Ilia Topuria only has one fight in the UFC as a lightweight.

Ilia won Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

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After capturing the featherweight title (up to 65,7 kg) by knockout Alexander Volkanovsky and defend it by becoming the first fighter to turn off the lights of Max HollowayThe Georgian/Spanish fighter won the second belt by winning... Charles of the Bronx in the main fight of UFC 317, in his debut in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). Since then, he has not yet defended his title and has made several statements about his desire to face Islam makhachev to attempt an unprecedented three-peat in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg).