Ilia Topuria Back In Training, Is Gaethje Next?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Feb 6, 2026 2:42 AM ET

After a hiatus that left the lightweight division under some uncertainty, Ilia Topuria looks close to coming back.

Topuria is back in the gym, signaling that his recent troubles are behind him. The primary reason for Topuria’s absence was alegal battle with his ex-wife, Giorgina Uzcategui. That meant he had not had a fight since stopping Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 last June. Topuria took the step of pausing his career to address what he termed “false allegations of domestic abuse” used as an extortion attempt.

Reports confirmed that the two have reached a formal settlement. With the lawsuit withdrawn and the personal dispute settled, Topuria took to Instagram to post footage of himself back in training—focusing heavily on boxing and strength work—with a simple caption: “The Champ is back.”

“BREAKING: Ilia Topuria and his ex-wife, Giorgina Uzcategui, have reached a settlement, and the case has officially been dismissed. The agreement reflects the terms originally proposed by Topuria,” Red Corner reported

Who Is Next?

While the champion was sidelined, Justin Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title by beating Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. Now, the stage is set for a title shots. Gaethje has been vocal about his desire to headline the UFC White House card on June 14. Despite rumors that Conor McGregor might also return on the same card, Gaethje remains firm that a title fight should take top billing. Justin is confident that the fight will eventually happen.

“Ilia Topuria on the White House [card]. It has to be. No other option. I think we’re going to main event it. I think we’ll be the main event. They had me specifically above Amanda [Nunes] and Kayla [Harrison], and that’s the biggest fight in women’s MMA, and they had me above them.

“I can’t imagine [not headlining it]. If it’s McGregor, then McGregor’s going to fight me, and we’ll be main event anyways. If Ilia didn’t come back, they’d strip him, I’d become the undisputed [champion], and then McGregor gets to fight whoever he wants. I guess that would be an option,” Gaethje said

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: