Topuria, Gaethje timelines emerge after UFC White House visit

New and former UFC champions who visited the White House earlier this month are eyeing summer returns, according to ESPN.

Featherweight titleholder Ilia Topuria, who defended his belt against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, is targeting a comeback bout in the second half of 2025. The Georgian-Spanish fighter has been linked to a potential clash with former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, though no date has been set. Topuria's team told ESPN that he wants to stay active but needs time to recover from the Volkanovski camp.

Gaethje eyes lightweight rebound after BMF loss

Former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje is also looking at a summer timeline. Gaethje lost the BMF title to Max Holloway at UFC 300 last April and has been training in Arizona since. Per the ESPN report, matchmakers are considering several ranked lightweight contenders for his next assignment, with July or August the likeliest window.

Ciryl Gane, who accompanied the group to Washington, remains in the heavyweight title conversation despite back-to-back losses. The French striker is expected to face a top-five opponent before the end of the year, though a specific matchup has not been confirmed.

The White House visit drew over a dozen UFC athletes and was organized as part of the promotion's relationship with the Trump administration. Gaethje posted on social media that the trip was "an honor," according to the story.

Reported via:

• ESPN MMA — What's next for new and former champs after UFC White House