UFC champion announces break from octagon in | Sports News

UFC light-weight champion Ilia Topuria has stepped away from combating for the following few months in order to deal with a “difficult moment.”

Topuria is one of the world’s best and most revered fighters. In his final combat at UFC 317, Topuria sensationally knocked out Charles Oliveira to win the light-weight title. 

The victory ensured the 28-year-old grew to become a two-division champion, having beforehand held and vacated the featherweight strap. Fans have been speculating over his subsequent opponent for months, with names like Paddy Pimblett, Justin Gaethje, and Arman Tsarukyan every throwing their title into the ring. 

Islam Mackhachev, the UFC welterweight champion, has additionally been linked as a potential opponent given his earlier document at light-weight in addition to his standing because the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. However, followers should wait. 

On Thursday, Topuria took to social media to announce his resolution to take time away from the game. The reigning champion revealed that he’ll inform Dana White and his group when he is able to make a return.

“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.”

Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway was one of the primary to answer, responding: “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.”

UFC 324 is scheduled for Jan. 24, and will see Pimblett and Gaethje combat for the interim title. The winner would then possible face Topuria to find out the undisputed champion, with Pimblett expressing a need to combat the champ.

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But this situation would depart present No. 1 contender Tsarukyan extraordinarily pissed off. He defeated Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar final week and declared he needs to be subsequent in line to face Topuria.

“[Pimblett] is a nobody,” Tsarukyan stated. “They wanted to make him a superstar — he had good fights, but he’s not an elite fighter — there are levels. Paddy couldn’t even beat Oliveira, Hooker, [Dustin] Poirier, Gaethje, [Max] Holloway, or me.

“If he beat Gaethje, I’d say, ‘This guy is good,’ [but I don’t think he’s good] he sucks.”