UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria shared updates on his return to fighting and potential matchups during a recent interview on Adin Ross' stream. He expressed strong interest in a superfight with Islam Makhachev while dismissing concerns about Arman Tsarukyan. The conversation also escalated into a heated exchange with Jake Paul over a possible sparring session.
Ilia Topuria, the UFC lightweight champion, appeared on Adin Ross' Kick stream on February 27, 2026, providing insights into his career amid uncertainty about his next bout. Topuria has not fought since knocking out Charles Oliveira in June 2025, opting for a break to resolve a divorce and custody dispute that concluded in early February 2026. He anticipates returning in summer, potentially at a White House event, but emphasized that the UFC dictates scheduling. "In summer," Topuria said. "Hopefully, if I’m fighting in the White House, I don’t know. ... As of right now I have no f--king idea what’s going on. I’m ready."
Topuria views Justin Gaethje as the likely opponent, following Gaethje's interim 155-pound title win over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 in January 2026. He criticized that fight as "f--king horrible," predicting Pimblett's victory but noting both performed poorly. Open to alternatives, Topuria dismissed any reluctance toward Arman Tsarukyan, calling him far from his toughest challenge. Tsarukyan has losses to Islam Makhachev and Mateusz Gamrot, plus an early knockout, and relies on wearing down opponents rather than finishing decisively. "If he faced someone who really has that preparation, has that cardio, he doesn’t get scared if he goes to the ground, he’s going to suffer," Topuria stated.
His top desire remains a matchup with welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. Topuria proposed fighting at 170 pounds for a third belt or a catchweight between 155 and 170 for a new "Pound For Pound" title, pitting the top-ranked fighters. "[Islam] is what I want, too," he said. "The perfect scenario for me would be fighting him in the welterweight division ... Why not, call it ‘Pound For Pound.’ ... Whoever wins is the best."
The stream took a contentious turn when Jake Paul called in, leading to sparring challenges. Topuria respected Paul's attitude but critiqued his boxing as average: "I’m saying that as a boxer, you suck. ... You’re just an average level of boxer." Paul, recovering from a broken jaw sustained against Anthony Joshua in December 2025, insisted on sparring without headgear. Topuria quipped about Paul's height and vowed a knockout, joking about post-fight humiliation. They agreed tentatively to spar once Paul's jaw heals.
Topuria also reflected on past callouts, noting a fight with Sean O'Malley would have been intriguing before his lightweight dominance but is now predictable. Unlike Merab Dvalishvili's frequent defenses, Topuria prefers one or two well-prepared fights annually to enter at full strength.
