UFC president Dana White revealed when former UFC light-weight champion Ilia Topuria will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon.
Topuria was last seen at UFC Freedom 250 in June, when he was completed by TKO against Justin Gaethje in one of the largest upsets in UFC historical past.
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It was a tough evening for Topuria, who absorbed a ton of injury in the bout and needed to take a lot of time off to get well from the attribute he took in the combat.
But now, it seems the Georgian is finally prepared to return.
Dana White Says Ilia Topuria’s UFC Return Is Imminent
Speaking to Jim Rome, White revealed that Topuria’s UFC return is coming soon.
“In 2027. He’ll come back in early 2027. “We’re working on that, too,” White said (via MMAjunkie.com).
According to White, the UFC does not know yet whom Topuria will combat in his return, mentioning Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, Paddy Pimblett, and Max Holloway as potential fights for the former light-weight champ.
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“That whole light-weight division, you’ve got Gaethje, Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan, Oliveira, Paddy Pimblett, Holloway. The complete high 10 is straight killers and the most badass division we have proper now,” White said.
Ilia Topuria Recently Hinted at UFC Comeback
Topuria himself recently hinted at his UFC comeback, though he didn’t provide any information about a date or opponent.
While Topuria would ideally get an immediate rematch against Gaethje, it seems unlikely that will happen, as he was finished in the fight and it was his first title defense at 155 lbs. Typically, the UFC will not grant a fighter an immediate title shot if they don’t even defend their title one time, which is why Topuria will likely fight someone else in the weight class for his next bout.
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A matchup against Pimblett, who is also one of the UFC’s biggest stars right now, seems to make the most sense, as both Topuria and Pimblett could headline a numbered card against each other despite not being champions. But it seems like, based on what White said, the promotion is still looking at all options for Topuria’s omeback fight.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Dana White Hints at Ilia Topuria’s UFC Comeback Date appeared first on HEAVY.
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