Ilia Topuria approves of Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy | MMA News
In late November, UFC light-weight champion Ilia Topuria announced that he was taking a break from combating to deal with personal issue while going through a divorce.
“I won’t be fighting in the first quarter of next year. I’m going through a difficult moment in my personal life. I want to focus on my children and resolve this situation as soon as possible,” Topuria wrote on X.
“I don’t want to hold up the division. The UFC will make the matchups needed, and as soon as the matters are resolved I’ll let the UFC know I’m ready to begin my return.”
I gained’t be combating in the first quarter of next 12 months. I’m going through a troublesome second in my personal life. I need to focus on my youngsters and resolve this scenario as soon as doable.
I don’t need to maintain up the division. The UFC will make the matchups needed, and as soon…— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) November 27, 2025
The battle promotion determined to crown an interim champion in Topuria’s absence. Former interim titleholder Justin Gaethje and No. 5 ranked Paddy Pimblett headline the UFC 324 battle card with the interim 155-pound championship up for grabs. While the matchup has obtained criticism from some, Topuria thinks both are deserving of the chance.
“The truth is, I had the conversation beforehand with the UFC. I knew what was happening. We had some conversations because of my personal situation. They knew that I would not be able to compete in January because of all the things that encompass a personal situation like I’m going through,” Topuria told ESPN Deportes’ Carlos Legaspi.
“In the end, they decided to make the interim title between Paddy and Justin Gaethje. It seems very deserved to me. For both of them it’s a pretty valid title quite deserved. It’s the closest either that either of them are going to get to having a world championship. I congratulate them both, but at the end of the day they’re going to have to face the real deal.”
Related: Paddy Pimlett to Arman Tsarukyan: ‘Sit down, shut up, and do what you are told’
When he informed the UFC that he’d be taking an prolonged break, Topuria said the battle promotion was understanding and accommodating.
“The truth is, they were excellent with me. They had a special connection with me. They understood me without having to give too many explanations,” Topuria said.
“From the very beginning they reached out to me. They offered me their support whenever I needed it … I’m very happy with the support I have received from them, for the understanding, and I also understand the steps they’ve had to take.”
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