Dana White Targets Early 2027 UFC Return for Ilia Topuria

UFC CEO Dana White has outlined a timeline for Ilia Topuria's anticipated return to the Octagon, stating that the promotion is planning for the former two-division champion to fight again in early 2027.

Topuria has been out of action since June, when he suffered an upset loss to Justin Gaethje in the main event of the UFC White House card. Following that grueling contest, Topuria has returned to training and teased his return on social media, though an official date and matchup have not yet been announced.

Speaking to Jim Rome, White confirmed that the UFC is currently working on Topuria's comeback for the beginning of 2027. White praised the competitive state of the lightweight division, mentioning contenders including Gaethje, Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, Paddy Pimblett, and Max Holloway, while intentionally avoiding naming any specific opponents for Topuria's next outing.

While there have been calls for Topuria to receive an immediate rematch against Gaethje, the newly crowned lightweight champion has repeatedly rejected that possibility. Furthermore, Gaethje has yet to formally declare his own future plans regarding whether he will fight again or retire, leaving Topuria's eventual opponent undetermined for now.