UFC Lightweight Updates on Ilia Topuria’s Potential Return Date

The UFC lightweight division continues to be one of the most electrifying landscapes in mixed martial arts, and much of the spotlight has recently been centered around Ilia Topuria, the undefeated Spanish-Georgian champion who shocked the world with his meteoric rise. While fans have been waiting anxiously to see when Topuria will defend his belt again, top contender Arman Tsarukyan has shed some light on the situation — and the news may not be what fans were hoping for. According to Tsarukyan, we may not see Topuria back in the Octagon until early 2026.

This revelation has immediate consequences for the lightweight division, one of the deepest and most competitive in the UFC. If the champion is sidelined for the rest of 2025, it opens the door for contenders like Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, Dan Hooker, and Paddy Pimblett to make their cases for a shot at the belt when Topuria finally returns.

Ilia Topuria’s Meteoric Rise

For those who may not yet fully grasp his stardom, Ilia Topuria is one of the UFC’s fastest-rising names. Undefeated as a professional, he has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous finishers in the sport. His striking power, combined with world-class grappling, makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the lightweight division.

Topuria’s defining moment came earlier this year when he dethroned former champion Charles Oliveira in a devastating performance at UFC 317, a fight that cemented his status as the king of the 155-pound division. The victory not only solidified his position as champion but also placed him firmly in the pound-for-pound conversation.

What makes Topuria stand out, however, isn’t just his fighting style. It’s his charisma, confidence, and ability to connect with fans across different markets. Born in Germany, raised in Georgia, and now representing Spain, he carries a unique cultural identity that resonates with audiences worldwide. While he may not yet have reached the commercial level of someone like Conor McGregor, there’s no question that his star is shining brighter with each fight.

Tsarukyan’s Update on Topuria’s Timeline

In a recent interview with Adam Zubayraev, Arman Tsarukyan gave fans a clearer picture of what to expect regarding Topuria’s return.

“(Topuria) wants to come back in January or February,” Tsarukyan revealed. “And I haven’t fought in a long time. So I think I’ll need to fight in October or November. I talked to the boss yesterday. They said maybe they will set up a fight with someone. In Abu Dhabi or in Qatar… maybe Gaethje, maybe (Dan) Hooker, maybe Paddy.”

This means fans likely won’t see Topuria fight again in 2025. Instead, his comeback will likely headline a major pay-per-view event in early 2026, potentially in Europe or the Middle East, where his fan base is rapidly growing.

Implications for the Lightweight Division

The lightweight division has long been considered one of the UFC’s most stacked weight classes. With the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov in the past and current stars like Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, Tsarukyan, and Mateusz Gamrot, the competition has always been fierce. Now, with the champion absent for the rest of the year, the contenders have a golden opportunity to create momentum and force the UFC’s hand in booking a title shot.

For Tsarukyan, staying active is critical. A fight in October or November keeps him relevant in the title picture, while also strengthening his case as the rightful number one contender. If he scores a dominant win, especially over a big name like Gaethje, the UFC would have little choice but to line him up against Topuria in early 2026.

Possible Matchups and Their Significance

Since Tsarukyan himself mentioned three potential names, it’s worth exploring what each matchup could mean for the division.

Arman Tsarukyan vs. Justin Gaethje
This would be a high-stakes, fan-friendly matchup. Gaethje is known as one of the most violent fighters in UFC history, delivering wars that consistently thrill fans. Tsarukyan, meanwhile, is a highly technical grappler with ever-improving striking. A clash between these two could easily headline a Fight Night card or serve as the co-main event on a pay-per-view. The winner would almost certainly cement themselves as the next challenger for Topuria’s belt.

Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker
Hooker has been in the UFC for years, fighting some of the best in the division. While he may no longer be in his absolute prime, he remains a dangerous veteran capable of derailing any contender. For Tsarukyan, a win over Hooker would not carry the same weight as beating Gaethje, but it would still keep him active and relevant.

Arman Tsarukyan vs. Paddy Pimblett
Perhaps the most intriguing option from a commercial standpoint, this fight would draw enormous attention. Paddy Pimblett is one of the UFC’s biggest stars thanks to his personality and fan base, especially in the UK. A showdown between him and Tsarukyan would likely generate massive media coverage and potentially bring in new fans. From a sporting perspective, many see Tsarukyan as the heavy favorite, but the UFC knows that Pimblett’s popularity makes him a valuable name to place in a high-profile fight.

What This Means for Fans

For fans of Ilia Topuria, the delay in his return is disappointing, but it also builds anticipation. By early 2026, his comeback fight could be one of the most hyped events of the year. Whether it’s Tsarukyan, Gaethje, or another contender, the stakes will be enormous, and the UFC has the opportunity to market it as a must-watch clash.

Meanwhile, the remainder of 2025 won’t be quiet. If Tsarukyan fights in October or November, fans will still get to see pivotal lightweight action that shapes the title picture. With other fighters like Dustin Poirier, Mateusz Gamrot, and Benoît Saint-Denis also in the mix, the division promises fireworks even in the champion’s absence.

The Risks of Inactivity

One potential risk for Topuria is inactivity. In a division as competitive as lightweight, momentum is everything. Fighters like McGregor and Nurmagomedov were able to maintain relevance during long layoffs because of their established legacies and massive star power. While Topuria is rapidly climbing in popularity, he isn’t quite at that level yet. Prolonged absence could slow his momentum and give other fighters a chance to steal the spotlight.

However, Topuria’s unique blend of charisma and skill may help him overcome that. When he does return, the UFC will likely position him in a blockbuster event that maximizes his exposure.

Conclusion

The UFC lightweight division is in a fascinating position. With Ilia Topuria likely sidelined until early 2026, the door is wide open for fighters like Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, and Paddy Pimblett to seize momentum and stake their claim as the rightful number one contender. Tsarukyan’s recent comments provide much-needed clarity on the situation, and fans now know that the next few months will be critical in determining who earns the chance to face the undefeated champion.

Whether it’s Tsarukyan’s technical brilliance, Gaethje’s brawling chaos, or Pimblett’s marketable personality, the road to Topuria’s throne promises drama, excitement, and high stakes. And when the champion finally returns, the UFC lightweight division will once again take center stage in the world of mixed martial arts.