Dana White says Ilia Topuria is ready to fight following first UFC loss
· Yahoo Sports
Dana
White says Ilia
Topuria is ready to return to action in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Topuria suffered the first defeat of his professional career at UFC Freedom 250 earlier this year. Justin Gaethje forced a corner stoppage before the final round of his title clash with Topuria. Despite taking heavy damage in the fight, White has revealed that “El Matador” will return to the Octagon sooner than expected.
During his appearance on “The Jim Rome Show,” White was asked about Topuria's future after the Georgian-Spaniard recently addressed the defeat on social media.
“Topuria's ready to fight,” White said. “We're ready, we're ready for him.”
The UFC CEO was then asked whether a rematch with Gaethje or a matchup with Paddy Pimblett is more likely for the former two-division champ’s return.
“Yeah, both sound good to me,” White added. “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.”
Gaethje has previously dismissed the idea of an immediate rematch with Topuria, while Pimblett has welcomed the matchup, given the years-long heated rivalry.
Topuria suffered the first defeat of his professional career at UFC Freedom 250 earlier this year. Justin Gaethje forced a corner stoppage before the final round of his title clash with Topuria. Despite taking heavy damage in the fight, White has revealed that “El Matador” will return to the Octagon sooner than expected.
Dana White weighs Justin Gaethje rematch and Paddy Pimblett fight for Topuria
During his appearance on “The Jim Rome Show,” White was asked about Topuria's future after the Georgian-Spaniard recently addressed the defeat on social media.
“Topuria's ready to fight,” White said. “We're ready, we're ready for him.”
The UFC CEO was then asked whether a rematch with Gaethje or a matchup with Paddy Pimblett is more likely for the former two-division champ’s return.
“Yeah, both sound good to me,” White added. “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.”
Gaethje has previously dismissed the idea of an immediate rematch with Topuria, while Pimblett has welcomed the matchup, given the years-long heated rivalry.
A Topuria-Gaethje rematch? Or Topuria-Pimblett fight?
"Both sound good to me..." says #UFC Boss @DanaWhitepic.twitter.com/TkKfphFtyF— Jim Rome (@jimrome) September 9, 2026
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