White Confirms Topuria Ready To Fight After Gaethje Loss

Ilia Topuria is ready to fight again after his first career loss.

UFC president Dana White told Jim Rome that the former lightweight champion has recovered from the injuries he sustained in his June defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 and is available for booking. Topuria entered the White House event as a heavy favourite but absorbed a prolonged beating before his corner waved off the fight ahead of the fifth round. He suffered fractures to both orbital bones, along with damage to his nose and foot. Early reports suggested he would be out until 2027, but his strength coach Jesus Gallo later said Topuria was healing faster than expected and could return before the end of 2026.

Gaethje Rematch Or Pimblett Grudge Match Both Options

White confirmed the promotion is in regular contact with Topuria and has not placed him on any card yet. When Rome asked whether a rematch with Gaethje or a fight with longtime rival Paddy Pimblett was more likely, White said both interested him. "They're both great. We don't lose with either one of those fights," he said, per MMA Mania. "Obviously the rematch with Gaethje is incredible. A Paddy Pimblett fight is amazing — as bad as those two hate each other."

A bout with Pimblett would settle years of bad blood between the lightweights, who nearly came to blows at a fighter hotel in 2022 and again after Topuria won the title at UFC 317. An immediate rematch with Gaethje is harder to justify. Topuria never defended the belt and the first fight was one-sided, with Gaethje dominating over four rounds. Gaethje has said Topuria must earn another title shot and that Arman Tsarukyan deserves the next crack. UFC commentator Jon Anik recently said the promotion is seriously considering the rematch despite that logic.

White's comments suggest both fights remain under discussion. Topuria has not fought since June.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Dana White reveals Ilia Topuria is ‘ready to fight,’ open to Justin Gaethje rematch (or Paddy grudge match) — ‘Sounds good to me’