Ilia Topuria's strength and conditioning coach has pushed back on Dana White's recent suggestion that Topuria is on track for an octagon return, stating the camp has not yet begun any MMA training. The coach acknowledged that Topuria is making impressive physical progress but stressed that a full training camp has not started. Returning to the octagon is not currently the team's primary focus, he said.
Ilia Topuria's strength and conditioning coach has publicly contradicted UFC president Dana White, revealing that the former featherweight champion has not yet begun any MMA-specific training ahead of a potential octagon return.
The pushback came in response to White's recent suggestion that Topuria is on track to fight again soon. According to the coach, while Topuria is making notable physical progress, a full MMA training camp has not started, and stepping back into the octagon is not the team's immediate priority.
Topuria, 29, carries a 17-1-0 professional record and currently sits ranked first in the lightweight division, as well as holding the number one pound-for-pound position in the sport. The Spanish-born fighter, who represents Climent Club and competes out of an orthodox stance, stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach. Known as "El Matador," he has built his reputation on a well-rounded offensive game, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy while also threatening regularly with takedowns, averaging nearly two per fifteen minutes of action.
Why it matters
- Topuria is the top-ranked lightweight and pound-for-pound number one, making his return timeline a central question for the entire 155-pound division.
- The public contradiction between his coaching staff and the UFC's leadership creates uncertainty around when he will actually be ready to compete.
- Without an active camp underway, any previously discussed timeline for his next appearance appears to be premature.
