TLDR
- Ilia Topuria is preparing to return to UFC action five months after losing his lightweight title to Justin Gaethje
- Topuria temporarily lost vision in both eyes during the June fight and was retired on his stool
- The former two-division champion posted comeback message on Instagram from Georgia
- Paddy Pimblett and Arman Tsarukyan are potential opponents for Topuria’s return fight
- No opponent or date has been officially confirmed for Topuria’s comeback
Sources: themaclife.com | sports.yahoo.com
Former UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has announced he is preparing to return to the Octagon nearly five months after losing his title to Justin Gaethje. The 29-year-old fighter has been recovering from serious facial injuries that temporarily left him blind in both eyes.
Topuria lost his lightweight championship at the UFC’s White House event in June when he could not continue after the fourth round. His corner retired him on his stool due to the damage sustained during the fight.
The Georgian-born Spanish fighter recently posted photos on Instagram from the Didgori Memorial in Georgia. “I returned to where it all began,” Topuria wrote. “Not to reminisce, but to remember. ‘The Matador’ is coming back.”
Topuria later revealed that he temporarily lost vision in both eyes during the bout with Gaethje. He has remained out of action since then while recovering from the injuries.
Dana White says the reason why fighters like Khamzat, Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev only fight 1 time per year is MONEY
“I think it’s money, I mean once you get so much money. When guys are young and hungry they want to fight a lot because they want to get paid.
But once… pic.twitter.com/KFgTY67W62
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) November 4, 2026
Potential Opponents Line Up
No opponent or date has been confirmed for Topuria’s comeback fight. However, several names have emerged as possible matchups.
Paddy Pimblett remains the most discussed potential opponent. The two fighters have maintained a rivalry since an altercation at a London hotel in 2022.
They faced off again following Topuria’s knockout victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June 2025. Pimblett recently defeated Benoit Saint Denis, keeping himself in contention for a high-profile fight.
Arman Tsarukyan is another candidate for Topuria’s return. Tsarukyan strengthened his position in the lightweight division with a knockout win over Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 in September.
Gaethje has ruled out an immediate rematch with Topuria. The current lightweight champion’s next move could shape the division’s title picture.
Former Two-Division Champion’s Career
Topuria was born in Germany to Georgian parents before moving to Spain. He first captured the UFC featherweight championship before moving up to lightweight.
He claimed the lightweight title by defeating Charles Oliveira. That victory made him a two-division champion.
The loss to Gaethje ended Topuria’s unbeaten professional record. It marked the first time he had been defeated in his MMA career.
His next fight will be his first appearance since surrendering the lightweight championship. The return will test whether Topuria can rebuild his status in the division.
Topuria’s Instagram post has generated widespread attention from UFC fans. Many are eager to see how the former champion performs after such a damaging defeat.
The UFC has not released any official statement about Topuria’s return timeline. Fans and media continue to speculate about when and against whom he will fight next.
