Why is Ilia Topuria stopping all UFC fights until 2026 and leaving the lightweight division wide open? | International Sports News

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria said he will not fight in the first quarter of 2026. He shared this in a short statement on social media. He said he is going through a “hard moment” in his personal life and wants to spend time with his children. Ilia Topuria said he needs to fix things at home first before he can fight again. He also said he does not want to “hold up the division,” so the UFC can book other fighters while he takes a break.This news is big for fans because Ilia Topuria is one of UFC’s biggest stars right now. He is the lightweight champion after beating Charles Oliveira with a first-round knockout at UFC 317 in June 2025. He also won two belts in two different weight classes. Many fighters were hoping to face him soon, but now they will have to wait until at least April 2026.Ilia Topuria steps back as Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett wait for next moveIlia Topuria had a huge last two years. He beat Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski in 2024 in featherweight title fights. Then he moved up to lightweight and planned to fight Islam Makhachev. But Islam Makhachev moved up to welterweight, so Ilia Topuria fought Charles Oliveira instead and won the lightweight belt.Now Ilia Topuria is the No. 2 fighter in the Pound-for-Pound list. Only Islam Makhachev is above him. Even with all this success, Ilia Topuria says he needs time for his family. He said that when everything is okay, he will tell the UFC he is ready to come back.This break changes things in the lightweight division. Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, who both want a title shot, will now need to wait. UFC may book new fights or even an interim title while Ilia Topuria is away. Fans are also curious because Max Holloway posted a message showing support for Ilia Topuria.For now, Ilia Topuria is taking time for his kids and his personal life. He wants to return only when everything feels right.Also Read: Who Was Fuzzy Zoeller? Famous Two-Time Major Champion Golfer Dies At 74 After Masters History