Ilia
Topuria has signaled that he is preparing to return to
competition.
The former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion shared photos
from the Didgori Battle Memorial in Georgia alongside a message
teasing his comeback.
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Ilia Topuria signals a return after his UFC Freedom 250 defeat,
with no opponent or comeback date announced
“I returned to where it all began. Not to reminisce, but to
remember. The Matador is coming back,” Topuria wrote on
Instagram.
Topuria (17-1) has not competed since suffering his first
professional loss against Justin
Gaethje at
UFC Freedom 250 on June 14. Gaethje claimed the lightweight
championship by technical knockout after Topuria’s corner stopped
the fight between the fourth and fifth rounds.
“El Matador” announced in September that he had received medical
clearance to resume full training and returned to the gym later
that month. Reports suggest he could compete again in early 2027,
although no opponent or date has been announced.