Topuria Confirms Return After Gaethje Loss

Ilia Topuria expects to return to the cage in early 2027 after suffering the first loss of his professional career to Justin Gaethje at UFC White House this past June.

The former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion posted a series of photos from the Didgori Battle Memorial in Georgia, writing, "I returned to where it all began. Not to reminisce, but to remember. The Matador is coming back."

Topuria took significant facial damage in the loss to Gaethje, but recent photos suggest the 29-year-old has healed from the June defeat. MMA Mania reports that Topuria is targeting one of two potential lightweight matchups, though his place in the 155-pound title picture remains unclear pending several other fights.

The former two-division champion holds a 17-1 record. He captured gold at featherweight before moving up to lightweight, where he claimed a second belt prior to the Gaethje setback at UFC White House.