Topuria plans to return April–June and wants the winner of Gaethje vs. Pimblett — bettors should expect futures on a Topuria unification to shorten and in-fight lines to shift if he confirms his comeback, creating volatility for wagers on UFC 324 and next lightweight title odds.
Ilia Topuria sets timeline for lightweight title defense: April–June return
Ilia Topuria announced he intends to return to the Octagon between April and June, posting a brief update on social media that specifically referenced the upcoming interim title clash. The unbeaten UFC champion has been out of competition while addressing personal matters, but his timeline signals a swift return to activity in the lightweight division.
Why Topuria stepped away
Topuria stepped away late last year to deal with issues in his personal life and has publicly said he is confronting what he calls "false allegations of domestic abuse." He also recently appeared in family court in Spain over a custody matter with his ex-wife, Giorgina Uzcategui.
Interim title set: Gaethje vs. Pimblett headlines UFC 324
With Topuria inactive, the promotion scheduled an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett to headline UFC 324 next weekend in Las Vegas. Topuria’s social post made clear he plans to challenge whoever wins that fight, writing: "April-June. The winner between Paddy and Justin."
Topuria’s résumé and potential paths: lightweight stay or welterweight ambition
Topuria, 28, became a two-weight UFC champion last June by knocking out former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. He has signaled interest in moving up to welterweight to pursue a potential bout with former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, but any move up would likely come after at least one successful title defense at lightweight.
Implications for the division and match-making
Topuria’s return window reshapes matchmaking priorities: a unification showdown would immediately settle the lightweight picture, while a defend-then-move scenario could produce new contenders. Promoters and fighters will be watching his recovery and legal situation closely before committing to high-profile bouts.
Betting outlook: what punters should consider
Topuria’s announced return narrows timelines and will affect futures markets. Expect odds to shift in favor of a Topuria unification bout if he confirms the April–June return; short-term volatility could appear around UFC 324 wagers and next-title futures. Punters should monitor official medical clearances, commission confirmations, and any updates to Topuria’s legal status before placing significant bets.
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Ilia Topuria intends to defend his UFC lightweight championship in the next six months, he said on social media.
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