Max Holloway has hinted at Ilia Topuria's "personal problems" after the UFC lightweight champion announced he will not be fighting at the start of next year.
Topuria has established himself as one of the UFC's biggest names in recent years, rising to become featherweight champion before taking the lightweight title.
The Spaniard first claimed the lightweight title in February 2024, knocking out Alexander Volkanovski and later defended the belt by stopping Holloway, also by knockout.
Although he vacated the title earlier this year, Topuria returned in June to knock out Charles Oliveira in the first round and claim the vacant lightweight championship.
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Despite not fighting since then, speculation had grown that his first title defence would take place at the start of next year.
Several contenders, including Paddy Pimblett and top-ranked Arman Tsarukyan, have publicly called out Topuria in recent months in the hope of being on the card.
However, on Thursday, Topuria revealed he will be stepping away from competition at the beginning of 2026 due to issues in his personal life.
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Posting on X, he wrote: "I won’t be fighting in the first quarter of next year.
"I’m going through a difficult moment in my personal life. I want to focus on my children and resolve this situation as soon as possible.
"I don’t want to hold up the division.
"The UFC will make the matchups needed, and as soon as the matters are resolved I'll let the UFC know I'm ready to begin my return."
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Reports have emerged in recent weeks that Topuria is experiencing difficulties in his marriage to his wife, Georgia, with suggestions the pair are set for divorce.
Among those to send their support was former featherweight champion Holloway, who Topuria defeated last year.
"Sorry to hear champ," Holloway replied.
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"If it’s what I’m hearing it is, I know the struggle first hand trying to fight while protecting your kids. Hope all goes well."
Topuria responded, writing: "Thanks for the support, brother.
"All the best for you and your family."
In his message, Topuria gave the UFC permission to move the lightweight division forward in his absence and they have wasted no time in doing so.
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Pimblett will now face Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 in January in Las Vegas.
The matchup puts the winner on track for a future shot at the undisputed championship once Topuria makes his return.
But that announcement has frustrated the division's top-ranked fighter Tsarukyan, who took to social media writing: "Make it make sense."
Topics: UFC, Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett, MMA, Justin Gaethje
James Taylor