ILIA TOPURIA is targeting an early 2027 return, with Dana White confirming the UFC is already working on his comeback.
The former lightweight champion has been sidelined since losing to Justin Gaethje at the UFC White House event in June, where he suffered serious facial injuries.
Topuria has since recovered and returned to training, but his next opponent remains unknown.
White confirmed the promotion is preparing for his comeback, telling The Jim Rome Show: “He’ll come back in early 2027. We’re working on that, too.”
A potential showdown with Paddy Pimblett remains one of the biggest talking points in MMA, with the pair feuding for years.
White admitted he likes the idea of the rivals coaching against each other on The Ultimate Fighter before finally settling their differences inside the Octagon.
“I love the idea of that,” White said, although he stressed that timing and other factors would determine whether it happens.
Topuria’s return could put him straight back into the mix in a lightweight division featuring Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway and Pimblett.
