Ilia Topuria has returned to training after his legal case involving ex-wife Giorgina Uzcategui was dismissed, removing the final obstacle to his long-awaited UFC comeback.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Uzcategui withdrew her lawsuit and both parties signed a settlement agreement on the terms originally offered by Topuria.
The resolution ends a situation that has kept the undefeated lightweight champion out of competition since November, despite holding the UFC’s most valuable belt.
Topuria takes break at his peak
Topuria stepped away from the sport late last year, describing the decision as necessary to deal with what he called a “difficult moment” in his life.
Just five months earlier, he had knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to become lightweight champion, capping a rapid rise to the top of the division.
As speculation grew online, Topuria addressed the situation directly, stating that he had been subjected to “false allegations of domestic abuse” and pushing back against rumours surrounding his absence.
The dismissal of the case now brings that period to a close.
“The champ is back”
With the legal matter resolved, Topuria has wasted little time returning to preparation.
Posting on Instagram this week, he wrote: “The champ is back.”
Last month, Topuria told a fan on social media that he expected to return between April and June, and that timeline now appears realistic.
His return also aligns with the UFC’s summer schedule, where a high-profile lightweight title fight is already taking shape.
Gaethje emerges as frontrunner
Justin Gaethje sits at the front of the queue to face Topuria after winning the interim lightweight title at UFC 324.
Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett over five rounds, outpointing the Liverpudlian to earn a unanimous decision in the promotion’s first event of 2026.
Speaking after the fight, Gaethje admitted the bout took a toll.
“I definitely need some time off,” he said. “Pimblett f***ing rocked my brain a couple times, and the only thing we have over the more dangerous sports, which are boxing and football, is that we get to take time.
“So I will do that. But the White House is in June and I represent this country.
“I represented it tonight. Look at the position and opportunity they just gave me here. There’s no way they’re keeping me off that card unless I’m dead.”
