‘Nothing Is Official’: Salahdine Parnasse’s Manager Reacts to Ilia Topuria Fight Rumors

Ilia Topuria lost his UFC lightweight title to Justin Gaethje in June after his team stopped the fight because of significant damage in the fourth round. 

Now, Topuria is looking to make his way back to the UFC belt, and the new lightweight star was rumored to fight him on his return. However, nothing is official. 

Salahdine Parnasse vs. Ilia Topuria Is Not Official

The former two-time KSW champion made his UFC debut by defeating the lightweight veteran Dan Hooker with a first-round finish in September. 

Salahdine Parnasse is waiting for his next bout, and social media this week was full of rumors about his fight with Ilia Topuria. 

However, Parnasse’s team put an end to the talks of a co-main event fight at UFC’s numbered event in 2027. "If the UFC wants to make Topuria vs. Salah happen, it's a big yes. But for now, nothing has been signed, and most importantly, nothing is official," Parnasse’s management wrote on social media. 

‘Lion of Atlas’ has made his presence known with a stunning finish, and a match-up with Topuria would be one for the ages. However, the former champion is aiming for the title. 

Topuria Wants the Justin Gaethje Rematch

Ilia Topuria appeared invincible in the UFC until he met Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in June. In the loss, he suffered orbital fractures and received an 180-day suspension. 

As he is clear now, the Spaniard returned to training last week and is looking to map his way back to the title. However, the division has moved drastically during his absence. 

Arman Tsarukyan secured his sixth win with a stunning first-round finish of Mauricio Ruffy and cemented himself as a viable next title challenger. 

Dana White and even the champion Gaethje himself acknowledged Tsarukyan’s run in the UFC. Gaethje also expressed his interest in fighting Tsarukyan next in his first title defense. Thus, it is very unlikely that Topuria will receive a title rematch.