Ilia Topuria will likely watch UFC 324 without a seat cageside. The lightweight champion remains absent during a difficult personal chapter. His next challenger should emerge in Las Vegas on January 24. That event launches the UFC’s new $7.7 billion broadcast partnership with Paramount.
The card features an interim lightweight title fight. Paddy Pimblett meets Justin Gaethje for a newly created belt. The UFC introduced the title because the champion remains unavailable. The division will move forward without its king.
Topuria currently stays on a UFC hiatus. He continues to manage personal issues linked to his divorce. The Spanish star expects to return later in 2026. A respected veteran, however, sees serious danger ahead.
Veteran predicts trouble if comeback comes too fast
Paddy Pimblett recently suggested Topuria could vacate the title. He pointed to problems outside the Octagon. The topic surfaced again on MMA Fighting’s The Fighter vs. The Writer. Former UFC contender Matt Brown offered a darker forecast.
Brown does not expect a voluntary decision. He believes Topuria will rush his return. Brown thinks that move could cost him the championship. He warned that fighters often underestimate mental strain.
Brown predicted a loss rather than a smooth comeback. He said Topuria might return before finding clarity. Brown questioned whether the champion could focus fully. He admitted doubt because Topuria usually makes smart choices.
Brown explained that fighters hate watching from afar. He said inactivity creates pressure and frustration. Fighters want spotlight and relevance. Brown believes those emotions will push Topuria back early.
Brown acknowledged Topuria’s physical readiness. He stressed that emotional weight still lingers. He expects temptation to override caution. Brown warned that the timing could prove disastrous.
Michael Chandler sees Gaethje seizing the moment
Michael Chandler also doubts a safe path for Topuria. He believes Justin Gaethje will capitalize in 2026. Chandler expects Gaethje to defeat Pimblett at UFC 324. He then predicts Gaethje will challenge the returning champion.
Chandler described Gaethje as relentless and dangerous. He praised his pressure and durability. Chandler said he would lean toward Gaethje in any prediction. He expects an interim title run first.
Chandler believes Gaethje would later dethrone Topuria. He sees momentum favoring the veteran contender. Chandler shared his view during an ESPN MMA appearance. His opinion reflects personal experience.
Chandler has faced both fighters in the UFC. Gaethje beat him in a brutal fight years ago. Pimblett stopped him with a third-round TKO last April. Those defeats shape Chandler’s cautionary outlook.
