A UFC Hall of Famer thinks Ilia Topuria will remain the lightweight champ throughout 2026, and no one in the division right now holds the skillset to dethrone ‘El Matador.
Topuria has not been active after capturing the vacant 155-pound gold by knocking out Charles Oliveira in Round 1 of their lightweight contest at UFC 317. ‘El Matador’ is presently on a hiatus due to personal reasons and is expected to enter the octagon after the first quarter of 2026.
When Topuria returns, he will lock horns with the soon-to-be-crowned interim 155-pound champion at UFC 324.