That main event ended in a decision, but the card was not short on brutal finishes. That included former Paddy Pimblett rival Jordan Leavitt’s slam knockout, Jamahal Hill’s standing TKO against Ovince Saint Preux, and the very first UFC finish for Topuria.

The MMA world has been waiting for Topuria's first title defense after he claimed the vacant belt with a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June. He was pushing for a super fight with Islam Makhachev, who dropped his title to move up to welterweight and won gold against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 this month.

Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett trade sharp words after crossing paths as cornermen before UFC Qatar, reigniting their heated rivalry again.

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria announced Thursday that he will not fight during the first quarter of 2026 as he deals with "a difficult moment in my personal life."

Max Holloway fully understands the struggles that UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is currently experiencing outside of the cage and supports his decision to put his UFC career on hold. Earlier this week,

Ilia Topuria didn't hold back after UFC Qatar, unloading on Arman Tsarukyan for his callout. Topuria rejected his callout for a title shot

Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira delivered fireworks the last time they stepped into the octagon at UFC 317, a chaotic June night in Las Vegas that had fans buzzing long after the final horn. According to MMA Pros Pick on X,

Ilia Topuria wasn't too excited to see Paddy Pimblett in Qatar. Both UFC lightweight champion Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) and Pimblett (22-4 MMA, 7-0 UFC) are in Doha for cornering duties in Saturday's UFC Fight Night 265 (ESPN+) event at ABHA Arena.

Ilia Topuria has made his preference clear ahead of the UFC 324 main event. The first card of the new partnership between the UFC and Paramount is set for January 24, 2026, and it will feature two title bouts to kick off the year.

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria said he will not fight in the first quarter of 2026. He shared this in a short statement on social media. He said he is going through a “hard moment” in his personal life and wants to spend time with his children.

Tsarukyan ran through Dan Hooker for a second-round submission in Saturday's UFC Fight Night 265 headliner in Qatar. He called out UFC lightweight champion Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC), but Tsarukyan is currently in the title race with Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje.

Justin Gaethje warns he will derail UFC plans for an Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett showdown with his comeback intentions.