Overview

• Setanta Sports reporter Giorgi Kokiashvili said a rumored Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje title fight is not happening and claimed the UFC has different plans for both fighters.
• Recent signals suggest the champion is unlikely to fight on the remaining 2025 pay-per-views, with Spanish journalist Alvaro Colmenero indicating a January or February 2026 return is more likely.
• Aleksandre Topuria is reportedly targeted for Nov. 22 at UFC Qatar against Bekzat Almakhan, a bout that could keep Ilia in a coaching role and further delay his defense.
• PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov questioned Topuria’s status as the top lightweight, citing his own resume and saying he will call himself the best after his rematch with Paul Hughes later this year.
• With Gaethje reportedly out and Arman Tsarukyan pursuing a separate path, speculation has shifted toward Paddy Pimblett as a possible challenger, though no opponent for Topuria is confirmed.