The MMA community has reacted to UFC lightweight kingpin Ilia Topuria’s decision to take a break from fighting. El Matador’ recently announced that he won’t be entering the octagon in the first quarter of 2026.
As per reports, the Georgian-Spaniard and his partner have separated. On X, Ilia Topuria posted about a “difficult moment” he is going through in his personal life and wants to resolve it as soon as he can. He doesn’t want to hold up the division during his absence. Once ready to return, he will let the promotion know. ‘El Matador’ wrote:
“I won’t be fighting in the first quarter of next year.