Ilia Topuria has indicated that he is preparing for a return to the octagon, though the exact timing remains uncertain. UFC President Dana White provided an update on Wednesday, suggesting fans might see Topuria back in action relatively soon.
White stated on “The Jim Rome Show,” “In 2027. He’ll come back in early 2027. We’re working on that, too. The entire lightweight division is stacked with killers like Gaethje, Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan, Oliveira, Paddy Pimblett, and Holloway. The whole top 10 is full of the most badass fighters we’ve got right now.” When asked about potential opponents, White chose not to name a specific frontrunner, noting that doing so could spark a wave of inaccurate social media speculation.
Notably, all the fighters White mentioned currently do not have confirmed fights, meaning the UFC has several intriguing matchup possibilities for Topuria (17-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) once he’s ready to return. The 29-year-old star hasn’t fought since a surprising loss to Justin Gaethje in June, which served as the headline for UFC Freedom 250 at the White House. Though Topuria showed flashes during the bout, Gaethje ultimately dominated.
Fan Take: This update on Topuria’s comeback is exciting for fight fans because it signals the return of one of the lightweight division’s most promising talents. His presence could shake up the division’s hierarchy and set the stage for some electrifying matchups that keep the sport thrilling.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
