# Ilia Topuria Nearing UFC Return

> Topuria set to fight by February 2027 after injury recovery.
- Title: Ilia Topuria Nearing UFC Return · MMA Knockout On SI
- Summary: Topuria set to fight by February 2027 after injury recovery. Ilia Topuria will be ready for his next UFC fight starting February 2027 after recovering from a…
- Keywords: ilia topuria, ufc, justin gaethje, february 2027, physical trainer, miami, ufc freedom 250, el matador, ufc featherweight, ufc lightweight, alexander volkanovski, max holloway
- Source: MMA Knockout On SI — https://si.com/fannation/mma/news/ilia-topuria-reportedly-nearing-ufc-return-major-next-fight-update
- Published: 2026-09-16T15:45:06+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ilia topuria, ufc, justin gaethje, february 2027, physical trainer, miami, ufc freedom 250, el matador, ufc featherweight, ufc lightweight, alexander volkanovski, max holloway
## Ilia Topuria
Former two-division UFC titleholder Ilia Topuria reportedly suffered a devastating loss to Justin Gaethje.
## UFC Freedom 250
Topuria headlined UFC Freedom 250 at The White House in June for his first lightweight title defense.
## First Career Loss
The fight marked Topuria's first career loss after he knocked out Charles Oliveira the previous year.
## Injury Recovery
Topuria sustained significant damage during the fight, prompting his brother Aleksandre to call an end to things between rounds four and five.
## UFC CEO Dana White
UFC CEO Dana White expects Topuria to return sooner rather than later after recent updates from his physical trainer.
## Physical Trainer Update
Álvaro Colmenero reported that Topuria is gradually returning to training in Miami and will be ready to fight starting February 2027.
## February 2027 Date
Topuria's physical trainer Jesús Gallo confirmed he will be ready to fight starting February 2027 after a gradual return to training.
## El Matador
Topuria started his UFC career with nine straight wins before knocking out Alexander Volkanovski to win his first belt.
## UFC Featherweight
Topuria knocked out long-reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 to win his first UFC belt.
## UFC Lightweight
Topuria vacated the featherweight belt to move to lightweight after handing Max Holloway his first knockout loss.
## UFC 317
Topuria claimed the vacant lightweight belt by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to join fighters with titles in two weight classes.
## Next Fight Speculation
Fans speculate whether Topuria should take more time off or face Justin Gaethje in a rematch or Paddy Pimblett in a grudge match.
## Key takeaway

Ilia Topuria will be ready for his next UFC fight starting February 2027 after recovering from a loss to Justin Gaethje.