Former dual department
Ultimate Fighting Championship The title holder recently said he plans to return to competition around April 2027. In a new interview, “El Matador” addressed his defeat Justin Gaethje and revealed who he wants to fight next.
Ilia Topuria discusses retirement before calling on Paddy Pimblett
Topuria marked his loss to Gaethje at
UFC Freedom 250 the “worst day” of his career and even hinted at retirement before paying attention Paddy Pimblett. They have a long-standing bitter rivalry that began with Pimblett’s insensitive comments about Topuria’s home country of Georgia.
“I’ve been in the worst situation a fighter can be in,” Topuria told Spain’s ABC Diario. “I’ve seen the worst day of my job. What’s worse than dying? I’ve achieved everything and after this fight, what else? Maybe I’ll even retire. From April we’ll be thinking about coming back…Paddy, Paddy, Paddy. I’ll eat him like the sausage he is.”
UFC CEO Dana White has also hinted at a timetable for Topuria’s return, saying the promotion is actively pursuing his next game, which is set for next year.
“He’s coming back in 2027,” White told Jim Rome. “We’re working on that too.”
🚨Confirmed by Dana White 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. It’s honestly the worst division in the UFC right now.” https://t.co/KX48uPZIpN
– FightLuck (@FightluckBet)
November 4, 2026