--- title: "Anthony Smith urges Ilia Topuria to return to UFC octagon ASAP" description: "No surgery needed for Topuria’s orbital fracture; Smith warns delay risks compounding the first loss of his career." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/ilia-topuria-urged-to-fight-again-as-soon-as-possible-follow-f95a3b27 published: 2026-07-01T22:28:06.253+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T22:28:06.253+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["mma"] --- # Anthony Smith urges Ilia Topuria to return to UFC octagon ASAP > No surgery needed for Topuria’s orbital fracture; Smith warns delay risks compounding the first loss of his career. Ilia Topuria will not require surgery for the orbital fracture he suffered in his UFC lightweight title loss to Justin Gaethje, removing a major obstacle to a swift return. The former champion, who tasted defeat for the first time in his career on May 10, 2026, at UFC 301 in Las Vegas, now faces a psychological reckoning rather than a surgical one. His orbital fracture diagnosis initially carried a cloud of uncertainty, with doctors warning that operating would extend recovery beyond a year. The latest update shortens the timeline, opening a path back to the Octagon by late 2026. Anthony Smith, a veteran of elite-level title chases and a UFC commentator, argued on the Joe Rogan Experience that Topuria must return as soon as medically cleared. Smith, who has twice challenged for UFC gold and knows the mental toll of defeat, warned that dwelling on the loss will compound the setback. Topuria’s superstar status and pre-fight bravado amplify the pressure to bounce back quickly, making a prompt return both urgent and logical. Topuria’s team has not announced a return window, but the no-surgery update removes the most significant medical barrier. The lightweight division, now in flux after Gaethje’s victory, needs clarity. Paddy Pimblett has already floated a matchup with Arman Tsarukyan as a logical next step, signaling that the division’s hierarchy is up for grabs. What's next: Topuria’s camp will likely map out a step-by-step rehab plan, targeting a late-2026 return. If he accepts Smith’s advice, the mental reset could come faster than the physical one, reshaping the lightweight title picture before 2027. ## Why this matters Topuria’s first career defeat tests his mental resilience and the lightweight division’s hierarchy. With no surgery required, a late-2026 comeback is possible, reshaping the title picture and testing the division’s next hierarchy. ## Frequently asked ### What injury did Ilia Topuria suffer against Justin Gaethje? Topuria suffered an orbital fracture during his UFC lightweight title loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 301 on May 10, 2026. ### Will Ilia Topuria need surgery for the orbital fracture? No. Topuria will not require surgery, which shortens his recovery timeline and opens a quicker path to return. ### When could Ilia Topuria return to the Octagon? With no surgery needed, a late-2026 comeback is now possible, though the exact return window depends on rehab progress. ### What did Anthony Smith say about Topuria’s mental state? Smith warned that dwelling on the first defeat of his career will mentally compound the setback, especially given Topuria’s superstar status. ### Who could Ilia Topuria face next in the lightweight division? Paddy Pimblett has floated a matchup with Arman Tsarukyan as a logical next step, signaling the division’s hierarchy is in play. ## Sources & Citations - [Ilia Topuria urged to fight again as soon as possible following update he won't require surgery - Bloody Elbow](https://bloodyelbow.com/2026/06/16/ilia-topuria-urged-to-fight-again-as-soon-as-possible-following-update-he-wont-require-surgery/) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-16) --- Cite: Anthony Smith urges Ilia Topuria to return to UFC octagon ASAP. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/ilia-topuria-urged-to-fight-again-as-soon-as-possible-follow-f95a3b27