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Ilia Topuria gradually returns to training ahead of potential 2027 fight

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 16, 2026, 12:00 PM

Last updated Sep 16, 2026

Ilia Topuria gradually returns to training ahead of potential 2027 fight

Summary

Ilia Topuria is resuming training in Miami as he prepares for a return to the octagon. Three months after suffering serious injuries against Justin Gaethje in June, Topuria's physical trainer, Jesús Gallo, announced he will be ready to fight starting in February 2027. Topuria's comeback raises questions about potential opponents, with Gaethje possibly facing the winner of an upcoming bout involving Arman Tsarukyan. Discussions around Topuria's next fight will continue as the UFC's matchmaking unfolds.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Ilia Topuria faces Justin Gaethje in June, sustaining serious injuries.
•Topuria begins training again and aims for a February 2027 return.
•Jesús Gallo confirms Topuria's gradual return to workouts in Miami.
•Future fights may involve Topuria facing either Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett.
•UFC 331 this weekend features key matchups affecting lightweight rankings.

Latest Updates

12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Ilia Topuria’s coach shares training details, fight-ready return date

What they're saying

"
Ilia Topuria’s comeback tour has begun, but how long will it be be before we see the Spanish-Georgian fighter back in the cage? Topuria took a hellacious beating when he faced Justin Gaethje on the White House lawn in June. It’s been just three months since that fight and the serious injuries sustained — two […]
— Yahoo Sports

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