Topuria already has a rival: it will come out of Pimblett-Gaethje

Ilia Topuria already knows his roadmap in the UFC, despite announcing that he will be stepping away from competition for a while for personal reasons. The Spanish-Georgian fighter will temporarily relinquish his lightweight title during his absence, paving the way for an interim champion in the division.

The interim title fight will headline UFC 324, set for Saturday, 24 January, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It will feature Briton Paddy Pimblett facing American Justin Gaethje, according to AS.

Pimblett, one of the fighters who has most vocally challenged Topuria for the lightweight title, could have the chance to face the Spanish-Georgian in the spring, provided he defeats Gaethje.

In addition to Pimblett vs Gaethje, UFC 324 will also feature a women’s flyweight title fight between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes, serving as the co-main event of an evening that will help determine Topuria’s next opponent upon his return to the UFC.

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