White Confirms Topuria Returns Early 2027

Dana White confirmed that former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria will return to the cage in early 2027, five months after suffering a fourth-round stoppage loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

White told Jim Rome that the promotion is working on a comeback fight for Topuria, who quit on his stool after Gaethje broke orbital bones in both eyes during their June bout at the White House. "He'll come back in early 2027," White said, per MMA Junkie. "We're working on that, too."

UFC Lightweight Division Remains Stacked

The UFC boss praised the depth at lightweight, where Topuria now campaigns after moving up from featherweight. "That entire lightweight division, you've got Gaethje, Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan, Oliveira, Paddy Pimblett, Holloway," White said, according to MMA Mania. "The whole top 10 is straight killers and the most badass division we have right now."

White refused to name a specific opponent for Topuria's return. A rematch with Gaethje makes sense given the first fight's stoppage, while a grudge match against Paddy Pimblett would draw major attention. Fights against Tsarukyan or former featherweight rival Alexander Volkanovski also remain on the table.

Topuria relocated from Miami to his home country of Georgia to prepare for the comeback. The question now is whether he can recover the aura of invincibility that Gaethje shattered at UFC Freedom 250. The answer should come in the opening months of 2027.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Dana White confirms Ilia Topuria will return in ‘early 2027’
• BJPenn — Dana White discusses UFC return plans for former champion Ilia Topuria