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Former UFC two-division champion Ilia Topuria’s team contradicted Dana White’s recent claims about an imminent comeback.

Ilia Topuria suffered one of the biggest upset defeats in UFC history earlier this year against Justin Gaethje. In his first lightweight title defense at UFC Freedom 250, Topuria suffered his first setback in the Octagon.

After suffering multiple broken orbital bones at UFC Freedom 250, Topuria is still recovering from the damage sustained in the Octagon. But UFC CEO Dana White recently seemed optimistic about Topuria returning to the cage soon.

White raised eyebrows when he said that Topuria is ‘ready to fight’ and that the matchmakers are considering multiple options for his comeback. This includes a potential Paddy Pimblett grudge match and an immediate rematch with Gaethje.

Despite White’s optimism, Topuria’s team seemed to contradict the UFC head.

Ilia Topuria’s coach contradicts Dana White’s claims about imminent UFC comeback

In a recent interview with a Spanish reporter, Topuria’s coach Jesus Gallo countered White’s recent claims about the former lightweight champ’s return.

“That’s news to me. I don’t know what he [Dana White] is referring to or what information he’s using to make that kind of announcement,” Gallo said of Topuria.

“Right now, we are focused on starting to train and getting a training camp back up and running. At this moment, [a comeback fight] isn’t our focus… 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.” (h/t Bloody Elbow)

As of this writing, Topuria hasn’t publicly announced when he wants to return to the Octagon.

Before falling to Gaethje, Topuria won the then-vacant UFC lightweight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. Amidst personal issues away from the Octagon, Topuria took a full year away from the cage before returning at the White House.

Who should Ilia Topuria fight next? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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