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Ilia Topuria has announced a shock hiatus from the UFC, revealing personal difficulties and confirming he will not fight in the first quarter of 2026.
The undefeated lightweight champion said he is going through a 'difficult moment in my personal life' and wants to focus on his children before returning to the octagon.
Claims of a breakdown in his marriage to wife Giorgina and impending divorce have been widely reported in recent weeks, alongside growing uncertainty surrounding his next lightweight title defence.
He confirmed his position in a statement on social media on Thursday evening, removing any doubt over his immediate future in the sport.
'I won't be fighting in the first quarter of next year,' Topuria wrote on X. '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.
'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.'
Ilia Topuria has announced a shock hiatus from the UFC, revealing personal difficulties and confirming he will not fight in the first quarter of 2026
The announcement comes amid recent reports of the split between Topuria and his wife Giorgina
The 28-year-old last competed in June, when he knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to win the lightweight title, extending his unbeaten record and becoming a two-division champion after previously holding the featherweight belt.
His announcement comes as the UFC prepares for its first numbered event of the Paramount+ era at UFC 324 in January, where he had been linked with a potential title defence.
Several contenders have already been positioning themselves for a shot at his belt, including Paddy Pimblett, Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan.
Tsarukyan strengthened his case last weekend by submitting Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, while Pimblett has continued to push for a long-awaited grudge match.
Topuria previously made clear he wanted that bout, telling journalist Alvaro Colmenero: 'I have Paddy on my mind. I want to fight Paddy.'
That contest now appears set to be delayed, as the UFC reassesses its next moves in the lightweight division without an active champion.
Former opponent Max Holloway was among the first to show support for Topuria following his announcement.
Several contenders have already been positioning themselves for a shot at Topuria's belt, including Paddy Pimblett
'Sorry to hear champ. If it's what I'm hearing it is I know the struggle first hand trying to fight while protecting your kids. Hope all goes well,' Holloway wrote.
The UFC has yet to confirm how it will proceed with the title picture during Topuria's absence.
