Dana White’s blunt words on Ilia Topuria reveal what could come next for his UFC return

Ilia Topuria’s UFC comeback may be much closer than expected, and Dana White has now given the clearest update yet. The UFC CEO confirmed that the former lightweight champion is ready to return, despite the serious injuries he suffered in his loss to Justin Gaethje. Topuria’s recovery had already created hope that he could fight again before the end of 2026. White’s latest comments take that optimism a step further. The UFC is ready for him, but his next opponent has not been decided. For now, both Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett remain possible options.Dana White confirms Ilia Topuria is ready as the UFC waits for his next moveDana White has made it clear that the UFC is not holding Topuria back from competition. Speaking to Jim Rome, White explained that the promotion remains in contact with the former champion and is prepared to move forward when the right fight is available."Our guys are always in touch with them. We don't have him on the schedule right now, but listen, Topuria's ready to fight. We're ready for him."That statement is significant because Topuria’s return looked far less certain immediately after his latest fight.The 29-year-old suffered his first professional loss against Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. The defeat ended his unbeaten run and came with serious physical damage. Reports indicated fractures to both orbital bones, along with injuries to his nose and foot.Those injuries initially raised the possibility of a lengthy absence. A return in 2027 was even discussed.The recovery process, however, has moved faster than expected.Topuria’s strength and conditioning coach Jesus Gallo previously suggested that the former champion could potentially return before the end of 2026. Topuria has also dropped hints about his next appearance, giving fans more reason to believe his comeback is approaching.White’s latest comments now provide the strongest indication yet that the UFC is preparing for that return.The key point is that Topuria does not have a fight officially booked. That leaves the UFC with an important decision over who should welcome him back.Dana White sees big opportunities in both a Gaethje rematch and a Paddy Pimblett fightDana White appears to have two major options in mind for Topuria.One is a rematch with Gaethje. The other is a long-awaited showdown with Paddy Pimblett.When Jim Rome asked White which fight he preferred, the UFC CEO did not commit to either matchup."[Justin Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett?] Both sound good to me. They're both great. We don't lose with either one of those fights. They're both great fights; I don't know."A second fight with Gaethje would give Topuria an immediate chance to respond to the biggest setback of his career. Their first meeting was not decided by a controversial scorecard. Gaethje gradually took control before Topuria’s corner stopped the fight ahead of the fifth round.That makes a rematch easy to understand from a storyline perspective. Topuria would have the opportunity to correct what went wrong and show whether he can handle Gaethje differently the second time.Pimblett offers another kind of attraction.The two lightweight stars have built a heated rivalry over several years. Their relationship has included repeated verbal attacks and confrontations, giving a potential fight plenty of tension before the opening bell.White acknowledged that history while discussing the matchup."They're both great; we don't have anything set… 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. You know, as bad as those two hate each other."There is also a sporting question surrounding the Gaethje rematch. Topuria lost the lightweight title without successfully defending it, while Gaethje has argued that another contender should have a stronger claim to the next championship opportunity.That could make an immediate rematch difficult to justify from a rankings standpoint.Still, White’s comments show that the idea remains alive.For now, the biggest takeaway is not which opponent Topuria will face. It is that the UFC boss believes the former champion is ready to return.Dana White has effectively moved the conversation forward. Topuria’s comeback is no longer simply being discussed as a future possibility. The UFC is preparing for it, and the next decision could determine whether he returns looking for revenge against Gaethje or settles his long-running rivalry with Pimblett.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.