Ilia Topuria’s Mystery Answer Sparks Speculation on Octagon Return

Ilia Topuria has quickly transformed from a rising prospect into one of the most dominant forces in UFC history. Blending devastating striking power with elite grappling, the Georgia-born, Spain-raised superstar has dismantled some of the sport’s most decorated fighters. At just 28 years old and boasting a perfect 17-0 record, Topuria’s meteoric rise has cemented him as the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, a spot once reserved for legends like Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Georges St-Pierre.

What makes Topuria’s story so compelling isn’t just the winning streak—it’s the manner in which he’s achieved it. From highlight-reel knockouts to suffocating finishes, he has consistently shown an ability to end fights against opponents who were once considered nearly untouchable. With fans anxiously awaiting his next move, the question is no longer whether Topuria is great—it’s whether he might be on his way to becoming the greatest of all time.

Topuria’s Featherweight Domination

Topuria’s arrival on the global stage was solidified in February 2024 at UFC 298, where he ended Alexander Volkanovski’s four-year reign with a thunderous second-round knockout. Volkanovski had been regarded as one of the best featherweights in history, but Topuria’s precision, power, and composure made the fight look alarmingly one-sided.

Later that year, in October 2024 at UFC 308, Topuria defended his belt against none other than Max Holloway, another all-time great. Holloway, known for his legendary chin and volume striking, had never been knocked out in his career. That all changed when Topuria dropped him and delivered the first KO loss of Holloway’s Hall of Fame career. The victory wasn’t just a defense—it was a statement that Topuria was not just another champion, but potentially the featherweight GOAT in the making.

By dethroning Volkanovski and stopping Holloway, Topuria accomplished something few fighters could even dream of: back-to-back finishes against two of the division’s immortals.

Crushing Charles Oliveira at UFC 317

Topuria’s ambitions didn’t stop at featherweight. At UFC 317 in June 2025, he moved up to lightweight to face former champion Charles Oliveira, one of the most dangerous submission artists in UFC history. Many believed the fight would test Topuria’s grappling defense, given Oliveira’s record-setting number of submissions in the UFC.

Instead, Topuria shocked the world by obliterating Oliveira with a first-round knockout, cementing his power as a legitimate threat across multiple divisions. The speed, precision, and sheer violence of the finish sent shockwaves throughout the MMA world. With that victory, Topuria had now finished three future Hall of Famers—Volkanovski, Holloway, and Oliveira—in less than two years.

This stretch of dominance is virtually unprecedented in modern MMA.

The Perfect Blend of Striking and Grappling

What makes Topuria so terrifying inside the Octagon is his versatility. On the feet, he combines crisp boxing with brutal knockout power. His ability to find openings and capitalize with precision shots has ended fights before opponents could adjust. Yet, unlike many power punchers, Topuria isn’t one-dimensional. His black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu makes him equally dangerous on the ground, forcing opponents into a no-win situation.

Against Volkanovski and Holloway, it was his striking that made headlines. Against earlier opponents, such as Damon Jackson and Ryan Hall, it was his grappling. The ability to seamlessly shift between striking and submissions has made him one of the most complete fighters in UFC history.

Insights on His Return Timeline

As dominant as he has been, fans are eagerly waiting for news on Topuria’s next fight. In a September 2025 interview, the champion gave some insight into his highly anticipated return.

“Well, I have no idea at all,” Topuria admitted. “The truth is, we’re in it—we are in the middle of negotiating everything. I can’t give you a specific answer.”

When asked about potential opponents like Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, or Paddy Pimblett, Topuria dismissed the speculation. “At this time, none of them,” he said, leaving fans and analysts puzzled about what comes next.

Despite the uncertainty, rumors are swirling that Topuria could make his return at UFC 323 on December 6, 2025. Reports suggest Justin Gaethje is the frontrunner, but complications remain. Topuria’s brother, Aleksandre Topuria, is scheduled to fight in November in Qatar, meaning their shared training camp could affect the timeline for Ilia’s next bout.

The Gaethje Question

If Gaethje is indeed the opponent, it could be one of the most explosive fights of the year. Gaethje, known for his relentless pace and knockout power, is one of the UFC’s most violent fighters. A matchup between him and Topuria would be a clash of two of the most dangerous finishers in the sport.

However, Gaethje’s style might play right into Topuria’s strengths. While Gaethje thrives in wild exchanges, Topuria’s precision and composure could allow him to land the cleaner shots. On the ground, Topuria would also have the edge with his grappling. It’s the kind of fight that fans crave—chaotic, high stakes, and almost guaranteed to end in a finish.

Legacy and Pound-for-Pound Status

By defeating three legends in Volkanovski, Holloway, and Oliveira, Topuria has already built a résumé strong enough to rank among the greats. But what truly sets him apart is his trajectory. At just 17-0, he has accomplished what most fighters achieve over an entire career.

The UFC has been home to many dominant champions, but few have combined youth, star power, and devastating finishing ability the way Topuria has. His ability to headline pay-per-view events, attract global audiences from both Europe and Latin America, and back it up with highlight-reel victories makes him a once-in-a-generation athlete.

If he continues this run—especially if he captures a second belt at lightweight—Topuria could legitimately enter the conversation for greatest fighter of all time.

Conclusion: A Star With No Ceiling

Ilia Topuria’s rise is nothing short of historic. From dominating featherweight legends to crushing a former lightweight champion, he has proven himself as a unique talent capable of redefining UFC greatness. While fans eagerly await confirmation of his next fight, one thing is clear: whoever steps into the Octagon with him will face one of the most dangerous and complete fighters the sport has ever seen.

Whether it’s Justin Gaethje in December, or another elite contender down the line, Topuria’s future promises fireworks. At 17-0 with finishes over three Hall of Famers, the Georgian-Spanish phenom isn’t just unbeaten—he looks unstoppable.