UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria’s Next Fight Still Uncertain

Las Vegas, NV — With 35 days remaining in 2025, the UFC has yet to confirm a fight for reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. Topuria won the title in late June, and many anticipated he would defend it at UFC 324. This event marks the start of a partnership between the UFC and streaming service Paramount+.

As of now, the promotion has not made any official announcements regarding Topuria’s next opponent. Journalists, including Ariel Helwani, speculate that a women’s bantamweight title bout between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes could headline the January 24 event, increasing intrigue among lightweight contenders waiting for their title shot.

Helwani shared his insights during a recent YouTube live segment, stating that if a match between Topuria and Paddy Pimblett were scheduled, it would have been announced by now. He suggested that the UFC is exploring other headlining options for UFC 324 instead of the lightweight title fight.

Meanwhile, in the lightweight division, Arman Tsarukyan has strengthened his claim for a title shot after defeating Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar last weekend. Despite speculation surrounding a potential Topuria vs. Pimblett showdown, nothing has been finalized.

The interest in a Harrison vs. Nunes fight has been growing since Nunes returned to the octagon for a faceoff with Harrison, signaling her comeback. Harrison recently hinted at the possibility of this fight during an appearance on Jorge Masvidal‘s “Death Row MMA” podcast, stating, “There is a fight on the horizon. It’s not booked yet.”

Harrison made her UFC debut against Holly Holm last year after a successful career in judo and the PFL. She is seen as a strong contender, but without facing Nunes, it is unclear how she would fare against the former champion. Experts like Masvidal suggest that both fighters are formidable, making any potential matchup highly anticipated.

As the situation develops, fans are left awaiting updates regarding Topuria’s title defense and the prospective fight between Harrison and Nunes.