Ilia Topuria will watch UFC 324 from the sidelines with mixed emotions. The reigning lightweight champion remains absent during a turbulent personal period. His next challenger should emerge in Las Vegas on January 24. That night launches the UFC’s $7.7 billion broadcast partnership with Paramount.
The event features an interim lightweight title fight. Paddy Pimblett faces Justin Gaethje for a newly created belt. The UFC created the title because Topuria remains unavailable. The division will crown a temporary leader without its champion present.
Topuria currently stays on a UFC hiatus. He continues to manage serious personal issues tied to his divorce. The Spanish champion plans to return later in 2026. One veteran, however, believes that return could backfire badly.
UFC veteran warns against a rushed return
Paddy Pimblett recently suggested Topuria might vacate the lightweight title. He cited the champion’s struggles outside the Octagon. The discussion resurfaced on MMA Fighting’s The Fighter vs. The Writer. UFC veteran Matt Brown shared a more severe prediction.
Brown does not expect a voluntary title vacation. He believes Topuria will rush back instead. Brown thinks that decision could cost him the championship inside the cage. He warned that unresolved issues often hurt performance.
Brown predicted a loss rather than a triumphant comeback. He said Topuria could return too soon. Brown believes distractions would cloud his mindset. He admitted hesitation because he respects Topuria’s intelligence.
Brown explained that fighters hate inactivity. He said competitors struggle while watching others headline events. Fighters want attention and relevance. Brown believes Topuria will feel that same pressure.
Brown acknowledged Topuria’s physical health. He stressed that mental strain still matters. He expects Topuria to push himself back prematurely. Brown warned that timing would prove unforgiving.
Michael Chandler backs Justin Gaethje as future champion
Michael Chandler also sees danger for Topuria in 2026. He believes Justin Gaethje will seize the opportunity. Chandler expects Gaethje to defeat Pimblett at UFC 324. He then predicts Gaethje will face Topuria next.
Chandler described Gaethje as uniquely dangerous. He praised Gaethje’s relentless style and experience. Chandler said he would favor Gaethje if forced to choose. He expects Gaethje to claim interim gold first.
Chandler believes Gaethje would later dethrone Topuria. He sees momentum swinging sharply by then. Chandler shared these thoughts during an ESPN MMA interview. His perspective carries weight from personal experience.
Chandler has fought both men inside the UFC. Gaethje defeated him in a brutal war over four years ago. Pimblett stopped Chandler with a third-round TKO last April. Those losses shape Chandler’s sobering outlook.
