Ilia Topuria thanks UFC for support during career break: 'They were excellent'

Ilia Topuria He is the UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/iliatopuria

Owner of one of the most successful careers in recent years, Ilia Topuria He was forced to leave the octagons aside to dedicate himself to his personal life in the final part of this year, to the point that the Ultimate created an interim belt in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) to maintain the flow of the category. Despite the difficult situation, El Matador came to the public this Sunday (14) to acknowledge the support received from the suit-and-tie executives of the organization at such a complicated time.

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When discussing the matter in an interview with Spanish reporter Carlos Legaspi, the Georgian/Spanish player expressed his deep gratitude to Dana White and the... matchmakers because of the way they reacted to the news and how they respected him.

“They (UFC) were excellent to me. They were understanding and I didn’t need to give many explanations. From the first moment they reached out to me, they offered me support whenever I needed it,” said the champion.

Ilia Topuria says the UFC stood by him from the very beginning during his family issues

"They [UFC] were excellent with me. I have been understanding without having to give a lot of explanation. From the very first moment they extended their hand, I've been offered their… pic.twitter.com/LXqfwtrVtW

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 14, 2025

Topuria has yet to defend her lightweight title.

Ilia Topuria is the lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

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Although he didn't give details about the problems, it is known that Topuria is going through a divorce with Giorgina Badell, the mother of his two children, Hugo and Giorginita. The children are six and one year old, respectively. The Georgian/Spanish fighter hopes to return to the octagon in mid-2026.

When he returns, he will have to unify the belt with the interim champion, who will be determined by the matchup between... Paddy Pimblett e Justin gaethjeThe two will face off in the main event. UFC 324, the first numbered event of 2026, which marks the beginning of the Paramount+ era.