Overview
- In early November Topuria posted photos from the Didgori Battle Memorial in Georgia and shared training footage that he captioned “The Matador is coming back,” signalling his return to competition.
- UFC CEO Dana White told The Jim Rome Show that Topuria is expected back in early 2027 and that the promotion is working on booking his comeback fight.
- Topuria has not fought since his June 14 loss to Justin Gaethje, a fight that left him with fractures to both orbital bones, a broken septum, and a fractured foot before he received a multi‑month medical suspension.
- Topuria has said doctors have medically cleared him and resumed training, and his coach offered a tentative February 2027 target for his return.
- The UFC has several booking options, with Paddy Pimblett the leading non‑title candidate because of their rivalry and marketability while rematch or matchups with Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira or others remain possible depending on Gaethje’s next move and title plans.