Lightweight champion Ilya Topuria is taking a leave of absence from the UFC

The UFC lightweight champion is taking a leave of absence for personal reasons.

Ilya Topuria announced on social media on Thursday that he will not fight in the first quarter of 2026 while dealing with a personal situation.

“I will not be fighting in the first quarter of next year. I am going through a difficult moment in my personal life. I want to focus on my children and resolve this situation as soon as possible,” Topuria wrote. “I don’t want to keep the division. The UFC will make the desired matchup, and as soon as the matter is resolved, I will tell the UFC that I am ready to begin my comeback.”

Toporia is 17-0 in his UFC career and has defended his lightweight title twice since taking the belt at UFC 298.

He was expected to be next challenged by either Paddy Pumblet or Armaan Zaroukian early next year, although no fight had yet been scheduled.