Ilia Topuria is still following recovery protocols after what happened in his first UFC loss.

The former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion is plotting his redemption in 2027, having had his reign at 155 pounds ended in devastating fashion.

His aura of invincibility ended at the White House this past June, where Justin Gaethje finished Topuria after four rounds to finally become the undisputed lightweight champion.

Topuria was left barely recognizable following the fight, and he is in the midst of a lengthy wait before being cleared to train at full capacity once again.

What happens if Paddy Pimblett is booked as Ilia Topuria’s comeback opponent? 🤔

Ilia Topuria plots 2027 UFC comeback after returning to full training in January

Topuria struggled to see his face in the mirror after being badly beaten up by Gaethje’s powerful fists in the UFC Freedom 250 main event.

While he was not knocked out cold, ‘El Matador’ sustained enough damage to warrant concussion and health protocols after the loss.

The Spaniard returned to the public eye in September, having stayed mostly silent in the immediate aftermath of his first MMA defeat.

Topuria revealed he had returned to training, but he is still months away from being able to have full contact with his sparring partners.

“Starting in January, I’m gonna be able to get back to my training at 100 percent,” Topuria said during an interview with One on One MMA.

“Until this point, I haven’t been able to have any kind of contact, like sparring, wrestling, grappling, all that.

“I’ve been able to do all the techniques, strength and conditioning, and run a little bit, but not to train at 100 percent,” he continued.

“So once I get back to training in January, let’s see how I’m gonna feel, how my body’s gonna respond.”

‘El Matador’ pointed to April 2027 as a potential month for his return, shortly after Dana White said plans are in the works for the Spanish star’s next fight.

Despite Gaethje’s refusal to entertain the possibility of an immediate rematch with him, Topuria continues to push for the shot.

Most recently, he staged an opponent poll on Instagram that saw 55 percent of fans choose a second clash with ‘The Highlight’ over a grudge match against Paddy Pimblett.