Ilia Topuria resumes training amid UFC return speculation

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 29, 2026, 8:26 PM

Last updated Sep 29, 2026

Ilia Topuria resumes training amid UFC return speculation
Summary

Ilia Topuria has begun training again, indicating a possible return to the UFC. Recently, he accused Justin Gaethje of tampering with gloves during their June 14 bout, which resulted in Topuria's first career loss. He is looking to reclaim his belt and might face Paddy Pimblett next. Gaethje is expected to defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan soon. Topuria's last bout ended in a TKO, and he aims to resolve whether to stay in the lightweight division or move back to featherweight.

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Status Watch
  • •Topuria resumed training after a three-month hiatus.
  • •He accused Gaethje of glove tampering during their fight.
  • •Gaethje denies the accusations and may face Tsarukyan next.
  • •Topuria might fight Pimblett in early 2027.
  • •His last fight ended in a TKO loss to Gaethje.
Latest Updates
  • 8:26 PMYahoo Sports — “Back to the Office” – Ilia Topuria Begins Training Amid UFC Return Speculation
What they're saying
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Ever since Ilia Topuria announced his return on social media, the Spaniard has had plenty to say about Justin Gaethje. The former two-division champion has accused Gaethje of potentially tampering with his gloves during their June 14 bout. Topuria pointed to the damage he suffered in the fight, including two broken orbital bones and a …

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