Ilia Topuria’s Coach Denies Imminent UFC Return Despite Dana White’s Claims

Ilia Topuria's team has pushed back against recent statements by UFC CEO Dana White regarding the former two-division champion's potential comeback. Topuria suffered a significant upset loss to Justin Gaethje earlier this year in his first lightweight title defense at UFC Freedom 250, marking his first defeat in the Octagon.

Following the fight, where he sustained multiple broken orbital bones, Topuria is still in recovery. However, White recently expressed optimism about a swift return for Topuria, suggesting matchmaking was considering options like a fight with Paddy Pimblett or an immediate rematch with Gaethje.

Topuria's coach, Jesus Gallo, speaking to a Spanish reporter, stated that White's remarks were unexpected. "That’s news to me," Gallo said. "I don’t know what he is referring to or what information he’s using to make that kind of announcement."

Gallo clarified the current situation: "Right now, we are focused on starting to train and getting a training camp back up and running. At this moment, [a comeback fight] isn’t our focus… He’s really progressing incredibly well, but we haven’t started a real training camp yet. We haven’t even truly begun any kind of MMA training yet."

Topuria himself has not made any public statements about his return timeline. He previously won the vacant UFC lightweight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. After a year-long absence due to personal matters, he returned for the fight at the White House.

Ilia Topuria’s coach contradicts Dana White’s claims about imminent UFC comeback

In a recent interview with a Spanish reporter, Topuria’s coach Jesus Gallo countered White’s recent claims about the former lightweight champ’s return.

“That’s news to me. I don’t know what he [Dana White] is referring to or what information he’s using to make that kind of announcement,” Gallo said of Topuria.

“Right now, we are focused on starting to train and getting a training camp back up and running. At this moment, [a comeback fight] isn’t our focus… He’s really progressing incredibly well, but we haven’t started a real training camp yet. We haven’t even truly begun any kind of MMA training yet.”

As of this writing, Topuria hasn’t publicly announced when he wants to return to the Octagon.

Before falling to Gaethje, Topuria won the then-vacant UFC lightweight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. Amidst personal issues away from the Octagon, Topuria took a full year away from the cage before returning at the White House.