Ilia Topuria tells Dana White the two fights he wants for UFC return after gruesome White House injuries
Dana White has revealed that Ilia Topuria is “ready to fight” and, although the Georgian isn’t yet on the UFC schedule, he has two battles in mind.
The Georgian made his first public post last Wednesday, since losing to Justin Gaethje in June. The two-minute long video, in collaboration with JD Sports, was accompanied by the caption: “We are back!”
Previously, Topuria posted a public message to Gaethje on June 15, praising his opponent’s skill, revealing the damage he endured, and telling the world: “We will have our rematch.”
Now, White has revealed that he has been in touch with the 29-year-old, and discussed two fights — a rematch with Gaethje, and a bout versus Paddy Pimblett — as options for the returning Georgian.
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Dana White offers verdict on Gaethje rematch and Topuria vs Pimblett
The UFC CEO confessed that Topuria is not yet on the competition’s schedule, however, both he and White are ready for his upcoming return.
When quizzed for his thoughts on both a rematch with Gaethje and a clash with Pimblett, and which was more likely, the CEO stated, plainly: “Both sound good to me.”
White said: “They’re both great — we don’t lose with either one of those fights. They’re both great fights, I don’t know [which sounds better, or is more likely].”
“Obviously, the rematch with Gaethje is incredible, and a Paddy Pimblett fight is amazing, you know? As bad as those two hate each other,” he concluded.
The Georgian lost to Gaethje at UFC 250, by TKO between Rounds 4 and 5. The 29-year-old returned to his corner dazed and bloodied, prompting the referee to call their bout.
Topuria’s post directed at Gaethje in the aftermath revealed further details about their battle; he stated: “You took the sight from my right eye in the first round, and by the end of the second, from my left too.”
“Justin, congratulations. You said you’d leave your mark on my face… and you did. No excuses, I had one of the best camps of my life.
“I came in sharp, prepared and ready. Last night was your night… I’ll heal, I’ll rest. And I’ll return stronger, wiser, and far more dangerous.
“And trust me… this story between us is far from over. We will have a rematch,” he concluded.
Last Wednesday, in the 29-year-old’s comeback post on social media, Topuria praised character as a victory that cannot be taken away, atop clips of the Georgian training with his son Hugo.
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Ilia Topuria’s injury recovery and feud with Paddy Pimblett
Initial reports after Topuria vs Gaethje suggested that the 29-year-old has endured fractures to both orbital bones, and further damage to his nose and foot.
A prolonged absence — one that could push his comeback date to 2027 — was expected in the aftermath.
The Georgian is now ready to make his UFC return; Topuria’s strength and conditioning coach, Jesus Gallo, previously revealed that a 2026 comeback was being targeted.
His beef with Pimblett is well-documented, having initially spawned from social media confrontations, and developed into real-life altercations.
The Scouser famously hit Topuria with a hand sanitiser bottle, describing it as having “bounced” off his head. Pimblett now refers to the Georgian as ‘hand sanitiser boy’ and ‘Mr. Sanitiser.’
In the years since, both fighters have engaged in further verbal and physical confrontations; now, White has suggested that a battle inside the octagon could be on the cards for Topuria and Pimblett.
Topics: UFC, Dana White, Justin Gaethje, Paddy Pimblett, MMA
Kedar Bayley