UFC light-weight champion Ilia Topuria may very well be pressured to vacate his title if his hiatus from the game continues for too lengthy, in response to interim title challenger Paddy Pimblett. With Topuria on a private break till no less than April 2026, the UFC has booked an interim light-weight title battle between Pimblett and Justin Gaethje for UFC 324 in January.
The transfer has ignited important controversy, drawing sharp criticism from fighters exterior the promotion. The central dispute revolves across the perceived benefit of the interim title bout, with many arguing the shot ought to belong to the division’s clear high contender, Arman Tsarukyan.
The Champion’s Absence & The Interim Resolution
Reigning champion Ilia “El Matador” Topuria has acknowledged he intends to take an prolonged break from competitors to concentrate on private and household issues. Whereas no official UFC coverage mandates a champion vacate for a year-long absence, extended inactivity usually forces the promotion’s hand to maintain divisions energetic.
Pimblett amplified these considerations in a current interview, suggesting the title may very well be in jeopardy. “If he’s not again by… mid-2026, then I believe he’ll must vacate,” Pimblett acknowledged. This uncertainty prompted the UFC to create an interim title, guaranteeing a champion is able to unify the belts upon Topuria’s return within the second quarter of 2026 or later.
The Controversial Interim Matchup: Why Gaethje vs. Pimblett?
The reserving of Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim strap has been the supply of intense debate. Critics level to Arman Tsarukyan—who holds a victory over present welterweight champion Islam Makhachev and is extensively ranked #1—because the extra deserving contender.
The UFC’s rationale stems from a pivotal second in early 2025. Tsarukyan was scheduled for a title battle towards then-champion Makhachev however withdrew on quick discover as a result of a again damage. UFC CEO Dana White addressed the scenario bluntly, stating Tsarukyan must “work his approach again” into rivalry after turning down the chance.
This choice has been labelled as prioritising enterprise over pure sport. PFL champion Usman Nurmagomedov vocally criticised the matchmaking, stating, “UFC is the place the place the most effective fighters on this planet are combating one another. Greatest fighters. Not who [is] extra standard.”
The Highway to Unification and a Division on Maintain
The winner of Gaethje vs. Pimblett at UFC 324 can be topped interim champion and is predicted to face Topuria in a title unification bout within the latter half of 2026. This creates a transparent, if contentious, path ahead for the division.
In the meantime, Arman Tsarukyan stays in a holding sample. Moderately than taking one other UFC battle instantly, he has opted to remain energetic in grappling competitions, with a high-profile “submission solely” jiu-jitsu match scheduled for December 30. His path again to a UFC title shot now requires a major win towards a top-five opponent, a state of affairs that leaves the division’s most confirmed contender on the sidelines throughout its most high-profile moments.
Steadily Requested Questions
Topuria is taking a voluntary break from competitors to attend to non-public and household issues. He’s not anticipated to return to the Octagon till April 2026 on the earliest.
Tsarukyan was faraway from the quick title image after he withdrew from a scheduled title battle towards Islam Makhachev on quick discover in January 2025 as a result of damage. UFC management acknowledged he should now “work his approach again.”
The PFL champion criticised the UFC for prioritising reputation over benefit, particularly questioning Paddy Pimblett’s resume and stating the most effective fighters, not the most well-liked, must be competing for titles.
Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim UFC light-weight championship is scheduled as the principle occasion of UFC 324 in January 2026.
Whereas ready for his subsequent UFC alternative, Tsarukyan is staying energetic in grappling. He’s scheduled for a “submission solely” jiu-jitsu match towards Shara Magomedov on December 30.
