Dana White confirms Topuria is ready to return after first career defeat

UFC president Dana White has confirmed that Ilia Topuria is ready to return to the Octagon following his first professional defeat, with a rematch against Justin Gaethje or a long-anticipated clash with Paddy Pimblett emerging as the frontrunners for his comeback.

Topuria suffered the loss at UFC Freedom 250 earlier this year when Gaethje forced a corner stoppage before the final round of their lightweight title fight. It was the first blemish on the Georgian-Spaniard’s professional record, and the defeat came after he absorbed significant damage across the contest.

Speaking on The Jim Rome Show, White was asked about Topuria’s timeline after the former two-division champion addressed the loss publicly on social media. “Topuria’s ready to fight,” White said. “We’re ready, we’re ready for him.”

When pressed on which opponent is more likely — a rematch with Gaethje or a fight with Pimblett — White stopped short of committing to either direction. “Yeah, both sound good to me,” he said. “They’re both great fights, I don’t know. I don’t really have the answer to that question. I mean, obviously the rematch with Gaethje is incredible and a Paddy Pimblett fight is amazing.”

The two options carry very different narratives. Gaethje has previously dismissed the idea of an immediate rematch with Topuria, casting doubt on whether that bout could be made quickly. Pimblett, by contrast, has openly welcomed the matchup, fuelled by a years-long rivalry between the two fighters that has played out largely on social media.

White’s comments confirm that Topuria’s camp is not seeking an extended absence despite the physical toll of the Gaethje fight, and that the UFC is already in discussions about where to place him next on the card.