Ever since Ilia Topuria announced on social media that he was back in sparring, fans have been eager to find out who the Spaniard will face next. After suffering the first MMA loss of his career against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, “El Matador” has a tough road ahead.
However, Topuria has made it clear that he has no plans to take a step back and wants an immediate rematch with Gaethje. He even accused the reigning 155-pound champion of tampering with his gloves on June 14, adding more fuel to their rivalry and making his case for another shot at the title.
While Gaethje has left the door open for a rematch, neither fighter will compete in 2026. With Gaethje seemingly favoring Arman Tsarukyan as the more deserving contender, Topuria could be left waiting for his next opponent. In the meantime, the Spaniard has found another way to remind everyone of his star power.
The former two-division champion recently made a surprise appearance at an RKENA x PFL event in Tbilisi, Georgia, where thousands of fans erupted into cheers and chanted his name as he arrived at the venue.
Ilia Topuria Gets a Huge Reception at RKENA x PFL Event in Georgia
On October 17, the PFL hosted a special MMA event at the Tbilisi Sports Palace in Tbilisi, Georgia. The cross-promotional show featured a six-fight RKENA vs. PFL lineup as part of a packed 15-fight card.
Topuria surprised the crowd with his appearance, and the local fans wasted no time showing their love for the UFC star. Chants of “El Matador” echoed through the venue as the former champion made his way in, highlighting just how popular he remains outside the UFC.
The crowd goes wild as Ilia Topuria arrives at the RKENA x PFL event in Georgia!.
Via: Topuriarmy https://t.co/dbFF6v6Tjx
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 17, 2026
The Spaniard is currently back in Georgia, where he has resumed training alongside boxing star Lasha Guruli and grappling coach Beka Guruli as he prepares for his eventual UFC return.
The event also proved to be a successful night for RKENA, whose fighters dominated the cross-promotional matchup with a 5-1 record. Topuria was spotted cageside as RKENA’s Nikoloz Abramishvili submitted PFL’s Aaron McKenzie.
Ilia Topuria’s reaction to RKENa fighter Nikoloz Abramishvili submitting PFL’s Aaron McKenzie as RKENa fighters dominate PFL 5–1! 🇬🇪🔥🏆 https://t.co/WyXdJp4IKS
— MMA Pros Pick (@MMA_PROS_PICK_) October 17, 2026
Meanwhile, Ibragim Ibragimov secured a second-round submission victory over Nika Kupravishvili, while David Mgoyan and Ekaterina Yar were among the other fighters who competed on the card.
Ilia Topuria Continues to Stay Active Amidst UFC Return Rumors
This isn’t the first time Topuria has shown up at an MMA event outside the UFC. The former double champion is also a major stakeholder and part-owner of WOW FC, a Spanish MMA promotion based in Madrid.
He has used his star power and presence to help raise the profile of the promotion’s events, including WOW 15 in Madrid and other notable cards in Valencia and Seville.
Outside of his appearances at fight events, Topuria has also been sharing updates on his training and preparation for his eventual return to the Octagon.
View this post on Instagram
More recently, he posted a video of himself using specialized neurocognitive equipment in a training lab. His latest updates have also featured explosive pad work, boxing drills, and reaction training, suggesting that he is putting in serious work ahead of his comeback.
Alongside one of his training updates, Topuria shared a motivational message with his followers. He wrote, “God knows the battles you fight, your heart knows how strong you are, and the work takes care of the rest. Be a warrior.”
View this post on Instagram
With Topuria back in sparring and continuing to sharpen his skills, fans will be hoping to see him return to the UFC soon. However, with a potential rematch against Gaethje still uncertain, the former champion may have to wait a little longer before finding out what’s next for him.
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