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Ilia Topuria's Physical Trainer Reassures About His Return to Octagon
Ilia Topuria's physical trainer Jesus Gallo is affirmative about El Matador returning to the cage in 2027
Ilia Topuria’s physical trainer, Jesus Gallo, has put an end to the confusion around El Matador’s return to the cage.
Ilia Topuria’s Physical Trainer Reveals Topuria Will Return in 2027
Jesus Gallo has given confirmation of Ilia Topuria’s return to the UFC Octagon in 2027. "El Matador" had temporarily stepped away from the cage after his loss against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. During the bout, he suffered a fourth-round corner stoppage TKO, causing it to be one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.
The former lightweight champion was immediately transported to a local hospital in Washington after the brutal fight. It was later revealed that he had suffered an orbital fracture. However, it seems like the Georgian-Spanish fighter is ready to put the first loss of his career behind him as he gets back into training in Miami. MMA journalist Alvaro Colmenero posted on his X about this return.
Positive Update on Ilia Topuria
“I've been talking with Jesús Gallo, Ilia Topuria's physical trainer He has informed me that Ilia is gradually returning to training in Miami and that ‘he'll be ready to fight starting from February’ of 2027 The interview, coming soon on ABC and KOlmenero”, he wrote.
He estado hablando con Jesús Gallo, el preparador físico de Ilia Topuria
Me ha informado de que Ilia está regresando progresivamente a los entrenamientos en Miami y que "estará listo para pelear a partir de febrero" de 2027
La entrevista, pronto en ABC y KOlmenero pic.twitter.com/KXeoWVWjh9
— Álvaro Colmenero (@KOlmeneroMMA) September 16, 2026
This is extremely reassuring for the fans, as previously Gallo had pushed back at Dana White’s comments about Topuria.
“He's really progressing incredibly well, but we haven't started a real training camp yet. We haven't even truly begun any kind of MMA training yet," Gallo had said previously. This comeback has also stirred up questions about Topuria’s next opponent.
Ilia Topuria's Team Wants Rematch with Justin Gaethje
In the comment section of the previously mentioned post by Colmenero, he further hinted at a potential rematch between Topuria and Gaethje.
“The two options for his return remain Justin Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett, although from his management team they will push for the rematch fight with Gaethje”, he wrote.
Dana White Talks to Jim Rome About Topuria's Next Fight
Earlier, during Dana White’s appearance on The Jim Rome Show, he spoke about the same. He was asked whether a rematch with Gaethje or a matchup with Paddy Pimblett was likely to take place, to which White said, "Yeah, both sound good to me,” and “obviously the rematch with Gaethje is incredible, and a Paddy Pimblett fight is amazing.”
Realistically, a fight against Pimblett makes the most sense given that it was Topuria’s first attempt to defend his belt. There are multiple fighters waiting for their shot at the title, so giving him an immediate rematch doesn't look good. Additionally, Gaethje had previously dismissed the idea of an immediate rematch with Topuria, while Pimblett had welcomed the matchup.
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