Ilia Topuria could return against Michael Chandler after suffering injury
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 2:03 PM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026
Ilia Topuria is recovering from significant injuries sustained in his loss to Justin Gaethje at the UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026. UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan suggested that Topuria may face Michael Chandler in a tune-up fight before returning to title contention. Topuria, who suffered his first professional loss to Gaethje, is expected to be sidelined until late 2026 or early 2027. Tsarukyan is currently focused on his upcoming fight against Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 next month, hoping to secure a title shot afterward.
- •Ilia Topuria lost to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026.
- •Topuria is recovering from severe injuries and may return in late 2026 or early 2027.
- •Arman Tsarukyan suggests a fight with Michael Chandler for Topuria's comeback.
- •Tsarukyan aims to fight for the title after facing Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331.
- 2:03 PMYahoo Sports — Ilia Topuria next fight? ‘Easy’ Michael Chandler, according to UFC matchmaker Arman
- 2:03 PMMMA Mania — Ilia Topuria next fight? ‘Easy’ Michael Chandler, according to UFC matchmaker Arman - MMA Mania
"Ilia Topuria had his face turned inside out by Justin Gaethje atop the UFC White House fight card back in June, in what marked the first loss for “El Matador” in his professional MMA career. The damage sustained was severe enough to keep Topuria out of action until the end of the year or perhaps […]
"Ilia Topuria vs. Michael Chandler is the fight to make according to Arman Tsarukyan because “El Matador” needs an “easy” fight after getting whooped by Justin Gaethje at UFC White House.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 20, 2026, 2:03 PMIlia Topuria next fight? ‘Easy’ Michael Chandler, according to UFC matchmaker Arman
Ilia Topuria had his face turned inside out by Justin Gaethje atop the UFC White House fight card back in June, in what marked the first loss for “El Matador” in his professional MMA career. The damage sustained was severe enough to keep Topuria out of action until the end of the year or perhaps […]
- MMA ManiaAug 20, 2026, 2:03 PMIlia Topuria next fight? ‘Easy’ Michael Chandler, according to UFC matchmaker Arman - MMA Mania
Ilia Topuria vs. Michael Chandler is the fight to make according to Arman Tsarukyan because “El Matador” needs an “easy” fight after getting whooped by Justin Gaethje at UFC White House.
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