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MMA1 min read

Topuria's Coach Pushes Back On Dana White's Comeback Claims

Ilia Topuria's coach, Jesus Gallo, is disputing Dana White's recent suggestion that Topuria is ready to return to the Octagon following his loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.
Topuria's Coach Pushes Back On Dana White's Comeback Claims

Ilia Topuria's coach, Jesus Gallo, is disputing Dana White's recent suggestion that Topuria is ready to return to the Octagon following his loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

"That's news to me. I don't know what he [Dana White] is referring to or what information he's using to make that kind of announcement. Right now, we are focused on starting to train and getting a training camp back up and running. At this moment, [a comeback fight] isn't our focus… He's really progressing incredibly well, but we haven't started a real training camp yet. We haven't even truly begun any kind of MMA training yet," Gallo

White had previously said matchmakers were considering multiple options for Topuria's return, including a rematch with Gaethje or a fight with Paddy Pimblett. Topuria is still recovering from multiple broken orbital bones suffered in the loss and hasn't publicly set a timeline for his comeback.

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It was published on September 16, 2026 and last updated on October 9, 2026. The time of the story is shown in your own time zone on the page.

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