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Ilia Topuria closes in on UFC return as Dana White reveals ‘possible’ comeback timeline

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Ross Markey | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 11:44 AM ET

Ilia Topuria seems to be closing in on a return to the Octagon sooner rather than later, amid rumors of his impending comeback.

Linked most heavily with a title showdown in his return to action, the newly-crowned lightweight champion has been tied to a championship defense against Justin Gaethje next.

However, another star hopeful of landing a grudge match with Ilia Topuria received a boost to their claim overnight, with a random shuffle in the lightweight rankings benefiting Paddy Pimblett.

But as for a specific date for the unbeaten star to make his third Octagon walk at the lightweight limit, promotional boss Dana White revealed a “possible” timeframe.

Ilia Topuria may headline UFC’s debut on Paramount

Already putting together their final pay-per-view event with ESPN at the end of the year, this week saw the confirmation of a doubleheader at UFC 323, with Merab Dvalishvili securing another defense of his bantamweight crown in December.

However, as soon as January, the promotion hosts UFC 324 in Las Vegas — with the flagship event coming as the first card as part of the lucrative deal with Paramount.

And amid links to a showdown with Gaethje as soon as then, White hinted that the Spaniard could indeed compete to open a new era for the Octagon leader.

“We literally — today — matchmaking was today,” White told assembled media after the Contender Series. “And we started working on the first Paramount card today.

And when asked if Topuria could return on that Paramount card, White said, “It’s a possibility.”

Ilia Topuria missed New York comeback

Linked immediately with a title fight against former interim gold holder Gaethje following his return to lightweight in the summer, Topuria made his comeback to 155lbs in style.

Stopping recent big winner Charles Oliveira with a devastating opening round knockout, Topuria was linked with both a fight with Gaethje as well as Liverpool star Pimblett.

However, with bitter enemy Islam Makhachev booking a title outing at UFC 232 next month, the Spaniard missed out on a career-first outing at Madison Square Garden.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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