Ilia Topuria: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Justin Gaethje Pressures UFC for White House Fight Despite Ilia Topuria’s Snub

Justin Gaethje has been one of the UFC’s most loyal and exciting fighters for years. All that the former interim lightweight champion wants in return is a shot at lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Ilia Topuria Name Drops His Preferred Opponent for UFC Return

UFC–Paramount partnership fuels speculation about his return. Fans are buzzing over possible blockbuster matchups. Topuria keeps his cards close but hints at a preferred opponent.

Ilia Topuria News / Bloody Elbow / October 24

Ilia Topuria reveals preference for next UFC opponent after addressing return rumors

UFC Champion Ilia Topuria has chosen between two top contenders. It won’t be long until Ilia Topuria makes his first lightweight title defense, but against whom?

MMA News / Dice City Sports / October 24

Dana White Pumps the Brakes on Ilia Topuria’s Next Fight, Calls Spain Title Defense a 'No-Brainer'

Las Vegas — UFC CEO Dana White isn’t ready to lock in Ilia Topuria’s first lightweight title defense just yet despite growing speculation and a very public faceoff with Paddy Pimblett.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / October 23

Ex-UFC star wins first fight since being cut after losing with Ilia Topuria and Khamzat Chimaev in his corner

It was a winning return to action for the ‘Georgian Viking’. Guram Kutateladze was among the wave of fighters from Georgia who arrived in the UFC and began to make a splash.

MMA News / Athlon Sports / October 23

UFC Star Blasts Ilia Topuria in Fiery Rant: ‘Sign the Contract!’

All eyes remain on the UFC’s newest double champ after UFC 317. Speculation grows over who will headline the UFC and Paramount deal. The rivalry talk is heating up again between two familiar foes.

MMA News / NY Fights / October 23

Paddy Pimblett Goes Off on 'Fake' Ilia Topuria, Calls Him a Conor McGregor Copycat

Paddy Pimblett just went nuclear on Ilia Topuria during a recent interview. The Liverpool scrapper didn’t hold back when raising questions on the lightweight champ’s original nationality.

MMA News / FirstSportz / October 23

'Islam is Light Work' – Conor McGregor Advises Jack Della Maddalena Ahead of Islam Makhachev Fight at UFC 322

The buildup to the UFC 322 fight between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena has drawn attention. It is not only because of the competitive implications but also due to the involvement of Conor McGregor, who has publicly inserted himself into the conversation ahead of the bout.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / October 22

UFC Insider Hints at Paddy Pimblett’s Next Opponent, It’s Not Ilia Topuria

The lightweight division is buzzing, but not for the reasons fans may think. Paddy Pimblett is working hard and showing up to the gym with purpose, but no one knows who he’ll face next.

MMA News / Dice City Sports / October 21

Javier Mendez: 'Ilia Topuria Has the Best Boxing in MMA'

American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez says the book on beating Ilia Topuria starts with one commandment: don’t box him. “Stay out of boxing range, one million percent,” Mendez said on the Know Time YouTube channel.

MMA News / HITC / October 20

Islam Makhachev’s coach pinpoints Ilia Topuria flaw that could decide blockbuster fight

Top MMA trainer Javier Mendez thinks Ilia Topuria has a clear weakness in his game. The former featherweight and current lightweight champion is aiming to make history by becoming the first fighter to hold three UFC belts.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / October 20

Islam Makhachev’s Coach Exposes Ilia Topuria’s Only Weakness – and the Stats Back Him Up

Ilia Topuria has been on a roll in the UFC after winning two titles in two separate divisions. He has steamrolled through almost every opponent, and his last three wins, which came against a few certified UFC legends, have propelled him to the top of the sport.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / October 20

Ilia Topuria’s ‘weakest link’ identified by Islam Makhachev’s coach ahead of potential superfight

Renowned MMA coach Javier Mendez believes there’s a glaring weakness in Ilia Topuria’s game. ‘El Matador’ has enjoyed a perfect start to his MMA career, winning 17 consecutive fights and claiming UFC titles in two different divisions.

MMA News / FirstSportz / October 19

Ilia Topuria Hints at Kicking Off UFC’s $7.7 Billion Deal With Grudge Fight

The UFC is preparing to launch its first Paramount card in January, marking a new chapter for the promotion’s streaming strategy. Early reports suggest the event could feature one of the organization’s top champions, signaling the significance of the card in its inaugural lineup.

MMA News / Athlon Sports / October 18

Ilia Topuria Sends Savage Warning to Islam Makhachev Ahead of UFC 322

Highlights: Ilia Topuria stirs headlines with a ruthless new comment aimed at Islam Makhachev. The timing of his message fuels tension as UFC 322 approaches.

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The 'ALCS MVPs' quiz

The 'World Series home run leaders' quiz

The 'Active 3-passing-TD game leaders' quiz

The 'MLB playoff RBI leaders' quiz

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / October 18

Ilia Topuria reveals why UFC’s $7.7 billion Paramount deal will be a game-changer

Ilia Topuria has good news for European MMA fans. A new chapter will soon begin for the UFC, as the sport’s leading promotion completes its broadcast deal with ESPN and crosses over to Paramount.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / October 17

Ilia Topuria tells Islam Makhachev the biggest fight in history will collapse if he loses at UFC 322

It may be more than just the welterweight title on the line for Islam Makhachev at UFC 322. After making his final defense of the lightweight belt this past January, a new chapter in Makhachev’s career will finally get underway in New York City on November 15.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / October 17

Ilia Topuria predicts Merab Dvalishvili vs Alexander Volkanovski after trying to make super fight happen

Two of the UFC’s most impressive champions both represent Georgia. While Ilia Topuria and Merab Dvalishvili both became UFC champions for the first time last year, they have very different goals right now.

MMA News / MMA Sucka / October 17

Paddy Pimblett – Out in the Cold and Being Passed By

The Baddy, Paddy Pimblett, was scheduled to end 2025 with a huge fight. Entering the year, he was riding a six fight winning run and was beginning to silence the doubters.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / October 17

Ilia Topuria is targeting history-making UFC White House fight despite Dana White’s recent comments

The current UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is planning an epic return on the upcoming event at the White House. Earlier this year after shockingly vacating his featherweight title, Ilia Topuria went on to continue showing his greatness by knocking out Charles Oliveira to become the new lightweight champion.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / October 17

Paddy Pimblett’s teammate wishes Ilia Topuria ‘good luck’ when breaking down matchup

Paddy Pimblett has been targeting the UFC’s lightweight champion for some time. Earlier this year, Pimblett came face-to-face with Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 after ‘El Matador’ was crowned the new 155 pound titleholder.

MMA News / CBSSPorts.com / October 15

Dana White beginning to put together debut event on Paramount, says Ilia Topuria is a 'possibility'

As matchmaking begins, Topuria could anchor the card that ushers in the UFC's Paramount era

MMA News / MMA Sucka / October 11

UFC Rio: Preview, Full Fight Card

Back for their 13th visit to Rio de Janeiro, the UFC offers the city its first Fight Night card in over a decade for UFC Rio. Taking top billing for the occasion, former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira confronts short notice opponent Mateusz Gamrot.

MMA News / MMA Sucka / October 8

The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever For This Electrifying Lightweight Icon

In his upcoming main event showcase in Rio de Janeiro, former lightweight champion and UFC icon Charles Oliveira has a lot riding on the line in terms of both his place as a UFC top contender, and his career as a whole.

MMA News / MMA on SI / September 30

Ilia Topuria ranked over Jon Jones in ex-UFC champ's shocking pound-for-pound pick

Former UFC titleholder Sean O’Malley delivered a hot take regarding Ilia Topuria’s status among MMA’s pound-for-pound greats. Still only nine fights into