Ilya Topuria’s camp is brimming with confidence as the UFC lightweight champion prepares for his return. Since claiming the 155-pound title last June—becoming the 10th fighter to hold belts in two weight classes—Topuria hasn’t competed. After his knockout victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, the Spanish star aimed to defend his lightweight title earlier this year. However, personal challenges outside the Octagon forced him to pause his fighting schedule.
Now, “El Matador” is targeting a comeback this summer, likely facing interim champ Justin Gaethje, who secured his interim belt by defeating Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. If that bout comes to fruition, Topuria’s coach is extremely confident about the outcome.
Topuria’s long break might end on June 14th, with hopes of headlining the event at the White House. Gaethje expects their clash to be the night’s main attraction, but Topuria’s team predicts the fight will end quickly with a first-round knockout. Coach Javi Clement told Alvaro Colmenero, “I can’t promise it’ll be in 30 seconds, one minute, or two minutes, but I am 100% certain it will happen in the first round, during the opening exchange.”
He added, “No matter how tough Gaethje is or how badly he wants the win, once Ilia lands a shot, he can’t advance. If he tries, he’ll suffer the same fate as Oliveira—who tried moving forward but ended up on the mat.” Clement also noted he has thoroughly studied Gaethje’s weaknesses and believes those habits will cost him dearly on fight night.
With “El Matador” poised as a top contender for the June 14th White House event in Washington, D.C., Gaethje isn’t the only challenger eyeing the champion. Islam Makhachev, former lightweight champ and reigning welterweight titleholder, recently signed on for the event and expressed his readiness to fight Topuria if the UFC approves the superfight. Makhachev told Telegraph Sport, “I like the idea. If the UFC wants it, I’m ready.”
Fan Take: This matchup is crucial for fight fans because it promises a high-stakes showdown that could define the lightweight division’s future. Topuria’s return and the potential superfight with Makhachev represent exciting opportunities to shake up the sport’s competitive landscape and deliver memorable UFC moments.
