ILIA TOPURIA SIGNALS UFC RETURN AFTER GAETHJE DEFEAT

Ilia Topuria has signalled his return to the UFC, posting photos from the Didgori Battle Memorial in Georgia on Instagram. The former two-division champion has not fought since losing to Justin Gaethje by fourth-round corner stoppage at UFC White House on 14 June 2026, a defeat that ended his unbeaten record at 17-1. "I returned to where it all began," Topuria wrote. "Not to reminisce, but to remember. The Matador is coming back." He did not confirm an opponent or date for his next fight.

Topuria, born in Germany to Georgian parents, moved to Alicante as a teenager to pursue mixed martial arts and now represents Spain. He suffered non-displaced fractures to both orbital bones, a broken septum and a fractured foot in the Gaethje fight, resulting in a maximum medical suspension of 180 days and a 60-day no-contact period. In September, Topuria said on X that his injuries had healed and that doctors had cleared him to compete. Gaethje, who became lightweight champion with the win, has said he will not grant Topuria an immediate rematch.

Paddy Pimblett has emerged as a possible next opponent for Topuria, with the pair sharing a rivalry dating back to an altercation at a London hotel in 2022. Gaethje defeated Pimblett at UFC 324 in January in an interim title fight, while Pimblett has since recorded a win over Benoit Saint Denis. Pimblett has also suggested the two could first meet as coaches on a season of The Ultimate Fighter. Any Topuria-Pimblett fight could depend on whether Gaethje retires or instead faces Alexander Volkanovski.