Ilia Topuria Should Lose UFC Belt, Says Former Fighter

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

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With Ilia Topuria on hiatus , the UFC's solution to maintain activity in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) was to create an interim title to be contested between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett . However, not all figures in the MMA world seem to be in favor of this choice.

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For Chael Sonnen , for example, the measure taken by the organization appears lenient towards the Georgian/Spanish ruler. He believes Topuria should be stripped of the crown.

“Interim belts are for cases of illness or injury. The moment Ilia tells us he’s out for any other reason, he should be stripped,” the American gangster said in a conversation with reporter Ariel Helwani last Tuesday (16).

Chael Sonnen believes Ilia Topuria should be stripped of the undisputed championship

“Interim belts are for illness or injury. The moment Ilia tells us he's out for anything outside that criteria, you've gotta be stripped.” ⏳

(Via @arielhelwani ) pic.twitter.com/jSExOy7vOL

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 17, 2025

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Topuria recently announced that he would need to spend the next few months out of action to deal with legal issues related to a divorce. At only 28 years old, he is undefeated in 17 fights and is one of the most popular personalities in the sport today.

Topuria has not yet defended the belt.

Ilia Topuria poses with two UFC belts after her victory against Charles Oliveira . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

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Despite shocking the world by capturing the featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) and lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) titles with knockouts against Alexander Volkanovski and Charles Oliveira , respectively, the Georgian/Spanish fighter never defended either belt. He was stripped of his first title when he decided to move up in weight.