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.

Max Holloway has shown empathy for Ilia Topuria as the UFC lightweight champ will not compete in early 2026 due to personal issues.

Cristiano Ronaldo recently revealed his decision to enter the MMA world. He will join Ilia Topuria as the newest shareholder of WOW FC.

In October, Dana White gave an update on Topuria’s return and first lightweight title defense. Amid speculation over which big names will be chosen to headline the promotion’s first major event on Paramount+, UFC 324 on January 24, White hinted that the Spaniard could top the lineup.

Ilia Topuria and Cristiano Ronaldo are under the umbrella of a Spain-based MMA promotion with the latter delivering big shareholder news.

Topuria captured the lightweight title in his lone 2025 appearance with a brutal knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June. Topuria vacated the featherweight title in hopes to fight Makhachev for the 155-pound belt, but Makhachev had the same idea of making his own history.

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has announced a hiatus until at least April 2026, citing personal family matters. This unexpected break impacts