Ilia Topuria

UFC commentator Jon Anik says the promotion is having internal conversations about booking a rematch between lightweight champion Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria. Gaethje claimed the undisputed UFC lightweight title this summer when Topuria's corner threw in the towel at UFC White House, marking the first loss of Topuria's MMA career. Gaethje has already stated he will not compete again until 2027, leaving the lightweight title picture unsettled, with Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, and the winner of Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy all in contention.

Oliveira, Holloway, Pimblett+3

Justin Gaethje says he has not yet recovered from his fight with Ilia Topuria and will take time with family before weighing his options. He acknowledges that the decision on his next bout ultimately rests with the UFC. Gaethje added that he does not expect his next fight to be a rematch with Topuria, noting that Topuria is also still recovering.

Gaethje

Charles Oliveira has no fight booked and has not yet begun negotiations with the UFC, according to his manager and head coach Diego Lima. The BMF titleholder recently returned to training following the death of teammate Allan Nascimento and is targeting a return before the end of 2026, likely on a November or December numbered event. Oliveira's preferred next fight is a rematch with lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, though Lima also identified Arman Tsarukyan and Diego Lopes as strong potential opponents if a title shot is not immediately available.

Oliveira, Pimblett, Gaethje+2

🚨 Topuria vs McGregor para el UFC 334 el 15 de Diciembre en Las Vegas. Si McGregor gana la semana que viene a Holloway este combate podría darse sin problemas, esto está más cerca de lo que pueden llegar a imaginar. #ufc #conormcgregor #iliatopuria #ufc334

McGregor

Arman Tsarukyan has proposed a specific opponent for Ilia Topuria's comeback fight. The suggestion has drawn mixed reactions from the MMA community.

Tsarukyan

Islam Makhachev has stated he wants to fight again before February 2027, citing his age of 34 and the absence of significant injuries as reasons to return quickly. The champion revealed he had agreed to a White House fight against Ilia Topuria earlier this year before being told the following day that the bout was off. With Arman Tsarukyan reportedly willing to challenge for the title in December, a Makhachev–Tsarukyan lightweight title fight could materialise this winter.

Makhachev