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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 could return against Michael Chandler after suffering injury

Summary

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.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•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.

Latest Updates

2:03 PMYahoo Sports — Ilia Topuria next fight? ‘Easy’ Michael Chandler, according to UFC matchmaker Arman

What they're saying

"
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 […]
— Yahoo Sports

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