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Topuria and Dvalishvili’s Madrid Reunion Goes Viral as UFC Sets Interim Lightweight Title Path

Topuria's hiatus delays his next defense until after the first quarter of 2026.

Overview

  • Merab Dvalishvili posted a clip of him and Ilia Topuria cruising in Madrid to Canción Del Mariachi, drawing a fan comment that read “Both looking for a wife.”
  • Dvalishvili reacted to the comment with a laughing emoji on Instagram as additional posts showed the friends training and riding in luxury cars in Spain.
  • Topuria remains on a fighting break while navigating a divorce, with plans to return after Q1 2026 to face the interim lightweight champion.
  • The UFC is proceeding with Gaethje vs. Pimblett for the interim 155-pound belt at UFC 324 on January 24 in Las Vegas.
  • Dvalishvili, who lost his bantamweight title to Petr Yan at UFC 323, is back in the gym and has leaned into lighthearted content, including a dating-profile bit on the Pound 4 Pound show.