All of the shifts point toward the division’s champion: Ilia Topuria. The Georgian-born Spainard continued his ascension to one of the best fighters in the world, successfully moving up from his featherweight throne to secure the lightweight title in stunning fashion. However, a murky future leaves the door open to a couple different paths later in the year, each of which have their own dramatic storylines and tension available.
Title Picture
Champion: Ilia Topuria
Contenders: Paddy Pimblett, Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira
Names to Watch: Benoît Saint Denis, Rafael Fiziev, Mauricio Ruffy
Outlook for 2026: “El Matador” called his shot — a first-round knockout to secure the lightweight title — and did exactly that at UFC 317. The finish extended Topuria’s objectively stunning run of title-fight finishes after he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to grab the featherweight title and then subsequently knocked out Max Holloway to defend it. After snagging his second title, Topuria chased a fight with Islam Makhachev before flirting with fights against former interim champion Justin Gaethje as well as his popular rival Paddy Pimblett. Neither came to fruition, and the 28-year-old recently announced he is taking a step back from competition as he manages concerns outside the Octagon.