UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has officially announced his return to the octagon on June 28 during the prestigious International Fight Week. The fighter shared this news while being awarded the 'Gran Cruz de la Orden del 2 de mayo' by the Community of Madrid, where he has resided since last year.
'I would like to thank the Community of Madrid and its president for this recognition,' Topuria stated in a video message. 'I'm very sorry I cannot be there with you, but I have preparation ahead of me. I hope to make you all happy again on June 28.'
While Topuria has confirmed the date of his next fight, he has not revealed his opponent for the event. The announcement comes at a strategic time for UFC, with other potential headliners like du Plessis and Chimaev reportedly unavailable for that weekend and negotiations for a Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall fight apparently stalled.
According to Statbet analysis, Topuria's move represents one of the most anticipated weight class transitions in recent UFC history, with potential matchmaking implications across two divisions.
Industry insiders have long speculated that Topuria would headline this numbered event during International Fight Week. His boxing coach, Javi Climent, has already expressed confidence about potential matchups in the lightweight division, particularly mentioning Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira as possible opponents.
'Ilia, in boxing, would destroy them. I'm certain he would beat Islam Makhachev, but even more certain he would beat Charles Oliveira,' Climent stated in a recent interview.
The fighter, nicknamed 'The Legend,' appears poised to make his debut in the lightweight division (155 pounds) after his successful run in the featherweight category (145 pounds). This move would place him in what many consider the most exciting division in the UFC in recent years.
Fans now await the official announcement from UFC confirming all details of what promises to be one of the highlight bouts of this year's International Fight Week.
