Disappointing Ilia Topuria update emerges amid rumors of UFC 322 title defense against Justin Gaethje

Spanish journalist shuts down talk of Ilia Topuria returning at UFC 322

That speculation dealt a blow to the other two contenders vying for an opportunity. While Pimblett faced off with Topuria at UFC 317 and hoped that his animosity with the champ would boost his chances, Tsarukyan has been widely branded the most deserving option.

But they may have perked up following a recent update from Spanish reporter Alvaro Colmenero, who addressed recent speculation surrounding two fighters from his country, Topuria and Joel Alvarez.

He shut down talk of both Topuria’s UFC 322 return and a UFC Paris outing for ‘El Fenomeno’, instead suggesting a return for the lightweight king is more likely for early 2026.

“Many of you have written to me asking if it’s true that Joel Alvarez was fighting in Paris and Ilia Topuria in New York,” Colmenero wrote.

“As far as I know, the answer is NO.

“I hope Joel can fight in October/November and Topuria in January/February,” he added.

That corroborates recent remarks from the top contender. Tsarukyan revealed plans to move on from Topuria and target a title eliminator, given the expectation that the next lightweight title fight won’t happen this year.

Daniel Cormier calls out Khabib Nurmagomedov’s ‘crazy’ Ilia Topuria take

Should Gaethje ultimately get the nod, Khabib Nurmagomedov will likely be among those disappointed. ‘The Eagle’ has put his support behind Tsarukyan’s claim and even made a bold prediction for how he would fare against the champ.

Khabib would pick Tsarukyan over Topuria eight times out of 10, an opinion that drew a shocked reaction from the Dagestani’s former American Kickboxing Academy teammate, Daniel Cormier.

“80%-20% is crazy, though,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel.

“80%-20% is hard when anyone’s fighting. The only time 80%-20% could be thought of in fights has been in the case of Khabib and Jon Jones. They’re the only people that have gone through this whole thing without losing.

“Guess who else hasn’t lost? Ilia Topuria,” Cormier continued. “To put him on the opposite side of that 80%-20% is crazy.

“I don’t believe that for one second. I really do disagree with Khabib on that one. There is not a guy in the world that I believe is gonna beat Ilia Topuria eight out of 10 times. That’s the truth.”