Topuria Confirms Return Status While Making Callout

As Dana White previously said, Ilia Topuria (17-1) has confirmed that he has been medically cleared to resume training following the injuries he suffered in his UFC lightweight title loss to Justin Gaethje (28-5) on June 14.

It was the first loss of Topuria’s professional career, and a particularly brutal one. Gaethje inflicted significant facial damage before Topuria’s corner stopped the fight after the fourth round. Topuria suffered fractures to both orbital bones and a broken nose, but avoided needing surgery.

The former two-division UFC champion has now completed his final medical tests and announced his return, while calling for a rematch with Gaethje.

“Final medical tests done. I’m back,” Topuria said. “Next time I’ll make sure they check Justin’s gloves so he doesn’t put anything weird on them. See you soon.”

Topuria did not provide evidence to support the suggestion that Gaethje had altered his gloves.

Gaethje, who won the UFC lightweight title with the victory, dismissed the accusation as “a lame excuse” and indicated he would be willing to face Topuria again.

“Am I willing to? I just beat … him, of course I would,” Gaethje said.

The UFC has yet to announce Topuria’s return fight. An immediate rematch with Gaethje has been discussed publicly.