Topuria calls out Pimblett for 2027 return after hinting at retirement following Gaethje loss

Ilia Topuria has set his sights on Paddy Pimblett for a targeted April 2027 UFC return, weeks after suffering a defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 that left the former two-division champion briefly contemplating retirement.

Speaking to Spanish outlet ABC Diario, Topuria was candid about the emotional toll of the Gaethje loss. “I’ve been in the worst situation a fighter can be in,” he said. “I have seen the worst day of my job. What’s worse than that, dying? I’ve achieved everything, and after this fight, what else? Maybe I’ll even retire.”

Having worked through those doubts, Topuria quickly pivoted to a familiar target. “From April onwards is when we’re considering the return… Paddy, Paddy, Paddy. I eat him like a sausage, which he is,” he added.

The rivalry between Topuria and Pimblett is long-standing and personal. It traces back to comments Pimblett made about Topuria’s home country, Georgia — remarks that drew a sharp and sustained response from “El Matador” and have kept tensions simmering ever since.

UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the broad timeline when speaking to Jim Rome, indicating the promotion is already working on Topuria’s next matchup. “He’ll be back in 2027,” White said. “We’re working on that too.”

White also used the occasion to praise the lightweight division’s current depth, describing it as “the most badass division in the UFC right now” — a competitive landscape Topuria will need to navigate if a title shot is eventually back on the table.

Topuria held UFC titles in two weight classes before the Gaethje defeat, and at 27 years old he retains the profile and ranking to remain a marquee name in the lightweight picture. Whether the UFC can finalise a Pimblett matchup — or whether another contender enters the frame — is likely to become clearer as the promotion builds its 2027 calendar.