Former two-division champion Ilia Topuria plans to return to the UFC Octagon in April 2027 following a five-month absence, targeting a grudge match against British rival Paddy Pimblett.
The 29-year-old fighter has been out of competition since June 2026, when he lost his lightweight title to Justin Gaethje by technical knockout at the UFC’s White House event. Topuria suffered facial fractures and temporary vision loss during the bout, prompting his corner to stop the contest before the fifth round and ending his 17-0 professional winning streak.
Dana White Confirms Early 2027 Comeback Timeline
UFC CEO Dana White addressed Topuria’s status during an interview on The Jim Rome Show, confirming that the promotion is actively organizing a comeback for early 2027. White avoided naming a specific opponent to prevent online speculation, noting that the lightweight division features a deep top 10 that includes Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, Paddy Pimblett, and Max Holloway.
"He'll be back in '27. We're working on that too."@DanaWhite confirms Ilia Topuria's return to #UFC will happen next year. pic.twitter.com/tbRDbrnMo4
In 2027. He’ll come back in early 2027,
White told The Jim Rome Show. We’re working on that, too. That entire lightweight division, you’ve got Gaethje, Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan, Oliveira, Paddy Pimblett, Holloway. The whole top 10 is straight killers and the most badass division we have right now.
While a February return had been considered, Topuria has said that from April onward is when a return is being considered, and a busy early-2027 schedule could be a factor in the timing.
Topuria Targets Longtime Rival Paddy Pimblett for Return Bout
Topuria made his first public comments since the Gaethje defeat in an interview with Spanish outlet ABC, discussing his recovery, his future, and his preferred next opponent. The bad blood between Topuria and Pimblett stems from an altercation at a London hotel in March 2022, followed by years of verbal sparring and an intense face-off at UFC 317 in June 2025.
Paddy, Paddy, Paddy, I will eat him like the sausage that he is,
Topuria told ABC.
Topuria also reflected on the physical and psychological toll of his loss to Gaethje, noting that he experienced the most difficult moment of his career after entering the bout as an undefeated two-division champion. Despite the setback, Topuria suggested in the interview that he could consider retirement after his next outing, remarking that he has achieved everything in the sport.
I’ve achieved everything, and after this fight, what else?
Topuria told ABC Diario. Maybe I’ll even retire.
Lightweight Division Title Picture Remains Crowded
A matchup between Topuria and Pimblett would carry significant commercial appeal and potential title implications, though the promotion has not yet finalized a contract. Justin Gaethje currently holds the undisputed lightweight championship and has ruled out an immediate rematch against Topuria. Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan remains positioned as a leading contender for the next title opportunity after knocking out Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 in September.
🚨Dana White confirms Ilia Topuria will return to the UFC in 2027. “He'll be back in 2027. We're working on that too.” 🗣️"The lightweight top 10 is STACKED with killers. Honestly, it's the most badass division in the UFC right now." pic.twitter.com/KX48uPZIpN
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