Ilia Topuria on Pimblett vs. Gaethje: “That’s the Closest They’ll Get to a World Title”

Ilia Topuria has shared his thoughts on the matchup set to usher in the UFC’s new Paramount era in his absence.

Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) was widely expected to make the first defense of his lightweight title in the main event of UFC 324, which is scheduled for January 24 and marks the inaugural event under the UFC’s new television broadcast agreement.

However, “El Matador” recently announced that he will be stepping away from competition to deal with personal issues and confirmed that he will not fight during the first quarter of 2026. As a result, the UFC adjusted its plans, booking an interim lightweight title bout between Paddy Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) and Justin Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) to headline the event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas next month.

“I had conversations before the announcement and was aware of everything that was happening,” Topuria told ESPN Deportes in Spanish. “We spoke several times. Because of my personal situation, they knew I couldn’t compete in January and understood everything I’m dealing with personally.

“In the end, they decided to book an interim title fight between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje. I think it’s well deserved for both of them. It’s a title and they’ve earned it, but that’s the closest they’ll ever come to winning a world championship. I congratulate them, but eventually they’ll have to face the real thing.”

Topuria has a long-standing rivalry with Pimblett and revealed that he is hoping the Liverpudlian can overcome Gaethje so they can settle their feud inside the Octagon next year.

“I have my doubts and can’t give an exact prediction, but I do think it could be Paddy Pimblett, and I’d love for it to be Paddy because it’s something I’d like,” Topuria said. “I think it would be a very exciting fight for everyone. But even if Justin Gaethje wins, the story would still be huge, and you could build something even bigger than a fight with Paddy Pimblett. I always accept God’s will, and whatever happens is always for the best.”