“People are saying Ilia’s not going to be back for at least a year. I don’t know his personal situation. People are saying it could get messy, and it could end up being like two years if it gets dragged out. Lad, if he’s going to sit out for that long, I’d rather him just vacate and stop holding the division up... But I do want to fight him. So it’s a catch—22. But at the same time, if he’s going to have me waiting like Tom [Aspinall] was waiting for Jon [Jones], then no, just vacate and let the division crack on”

– via youtube during an interaction with Tom Aspinall expressing his frustration over the uncertainty surrounding the lightweight title.

“There was a leniency for how much time you could spend away and still hold on to the championship... I don't believe that's the case today... It feels like Ilia Topuria is telling us, without saying it directly that it's gonna be a bit longer... So honestly, there might come a time where a decision has to be made”

– via ESPN MMA expressing concern over Ilia Topuria's rumored extended time away from competition