Ilia Topuria officially ‘will not’ kick off UFC’s Paramount era, eyes Spring 2026 return instead

Bummer.

One of UFC’s biggest, fastest-rising stars — and its reigning Lightweight champion — Ilia Topuria will not headline the promotion’s Paramount-era debut at UFC 324 on Jan. 24, 2025. Despite months of hints and internal optimism, the Spanish superstar won’t be defending his title in January… or February.

The update comes from Alvaro Colmenero, a journalist known for breaking news in the Topuria orbit. Speaking recently, Colmenero said Topuria’s return timetable has shifted dramatically behind the scenes.

“Things have changed a lot. There have been private situations, and you’re going to be very surprised at what’s going to happen in lightweight,” Colmenero said (h/t Championship Rounds). “I can confirm that Ilia will not fight in January. February? I doubt it a lot. If you ask me, I think Ilia will fight in the Spring.”

Colmenero also cast doubt on a potential showdown with top contender Arman Tsarukyan, noting, “I think the top part of the lightweight division is going to shift, but I doubt that Tsarukyan is in the equation for fighting Topuria in the spring/summer of 2026.”

Topuria recently said he “has nothing on the horizon,” a remark that now reads less like misdirection and more like a quiet warning that the Paramount launch wouldn’t feature him after all. Still, fans can hardly blame them for being skeptical — fighters say things.

The 27-year-old champion is coming off a violent knockout win over Charles Oliveira, though he hasn’t fought since June 2024 (watch highlights). With a Spring 2026 return now in play, the Lightweight landscape suddenly looks wide open.

So where does that leave the division?Is Paddy Pimblett still the UFC’s preferred dance partner?Does Justin Gaethje get one last crack at gold — or call it a career?Does the rightful No. 1 contender, Tsarukyan, get the shot anyway?Or does Topuria skip the line entirely and pursue a third division?

There are plenty of options, and plenty of chaos, on the table. Only time will tell how UFC plans to navigate a Paramount launch without one of its biggest stars.

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