Dana White Confirms Ilia Topuria’s UFC Return for Early 2027

Dana White Confirms Ilia Topuria’s UFC Return for Early 2027

UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that Ilia Topuria is expected to return to competition in early 2027, offering a clearer timeline for the former titleholder’s comeback. Speaking on The Jim Rome Show, White said the promotion was already working on plans for the fighter’s return.

Topuria, who has a professional record of 17-1, has not competed since losing to Justin Gaethje in June at UFC Freedom 250, held at the White House. White did not reveal who Topuria could face next, explaining that naming a potential opponent would fuel misleading speculation online.

White described the lightweight division as one of the UFC’s strongest, listing Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, Paddy Pimblett and Max Holloway among its leading names. With no publicly confirmed fights for those contenders, the UFC has several possible matchups to consider for Topuria’s return.