Idman.biz
ESPN reporter Carlos Legaspi has stated the league's position regarding the undefeated 28-year-old UFC lightweight champion, Spanish-Georgian fighter Ilia Topuria.
According to Idman.Biz, the insider is confident that Ilia's status is strongly protected within the UFC.
"Based on information I've obtained from a reliable source, I can say that the UFC is not preparing to strip Topuria of his title. The leadership will give him as much time as he needs [to resolve his personal issues]. If for some reason he has to defend an interim championship belt, I hope he will avoid it, as matchmakers (fight organizers - ed.) are also urging him to do so.
People at the UFC have reacted very well to the situation (regarding Ilia's temporary retirement). They strongly believe in Topuria's star status," Legaspi told MMA Mania.
