Dana White says Ilia Topuria is ready to fight again, with Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett both on the UFC chief executive’s list of appealing options.
White gave the update during an interview with Jim Rome on Wednesday. He said the promotion remains in contact with Topuria but has not placed the former two-division champion on a card.
“Our guys are always in touch with him, and we don’t have him on the schedule right now. But listen, Topuria is ready to fight. We’re ready. We’re ready for him.”
The update changes the tone around Topuria’s immediate future. He had been recovering after Gaethje handed him his first professional defeat at UFC Freedom 250, where Topuria’s corner stopped the lightweight title fight before the fifth round.
Concerns about a fast return have remained part of the discussion. Joe Rogan recently warned Topuria against rushing back after the damage he absorbed, while White’s latest answer indicates the UFC now considers him available for matchmaking.
Gaethje Rematch And Pimblett Grudge Fight Both Interest White
Rome asked White to choose between a second fight with Gaethje and a long-discussed matchup against Pimblett. White would not rank one above the other and emphasized that neither bout has been booked.
“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.”
Watch White discuss Topuria’s status and the two possible matchups below:
“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.”
A rematch with Gaethje has already surfaced inside UFC commentary. Jon Anik said the promotion had held internal discussions about running the title fight back, although Gaethje has publicly resisted giving Topuria an immediate second chance.
No Opponent Or Event Has Been Booked For Topuria
Gaethje has also dismissed a rematch with Pimblett, leaving the lightweight champion’s own plans separate from White’s interest. No opponent or event date for Topuria was announced in the interview.
Pimblett offers a different route because his feud with Topuria predates both men becoming UFC headliners. Their rivalry has included years of insults and a 2022 hotel confrontation, but they have never met in the Octagon.
White’s update confirms only that Topuria is available and that both matchups appeal to the promotion. The UFC still has to decide whether his comeback leads straight to Gaethje’s title or into the grudge fight with Pimblett.
