Ilia Topuria’s return announcement is already drawing reactions from across the UFC roster, including a simple but pointed message from one of the sport’s hottest rising stars.
Responding to Topuria’s post confirming he’d cleared his final medical tests and was officially back, Salahdine Parnasse quote-tweeted the announcement with a short greeting:
“Welcome back 👋⏳”
Salahdine Parnasse’s Statement Win at UFC Paris
The reaction comes days after Salahdine Parnasse delivered one of the most electric UFC debuts of the year. Headlining UFC Paris in his home country, the French-Moroccan star finished Dan Hooker in the first round, landing a body kick that visibly hurt Hooker before closing the show with a head kick and left hook that ended the fight at the 2:35 mark.
It marked a statement debut for the former two-time KSW champion, who signed with the UFC after turning down previous offers, finally accepting a deal that put him in a main event in his hometown against a ranked opponent.
Salahdine Parnasse Calls for a Top-5 Opponent
Following the win, Salahdine Parnasse wasted no time setting his sights higher. He told reporters he considers himself ready for anyone in the division’s top five, and repeated his interest in a fight against Max Holloway, calling it his “dream fight.” He also pointed out that he took no damage in the win over Hooker, saying he could be ready to compete again almost immediately.
With Ilia Topuria now cleared to return and Parnasse actively campaigning for a marquee opponent, the timing has fueled speculation about whether the two rising and returning names could eventually cross paths, though no such matchup has been floated by either camp at this stage. For now, Parnasse’s brief exchange with Topuria stands as one more sign of how much attention ‘El Matador’s’ comeback is already generating across the roster.
Also read: Ali Abdelaziz Takes the High Road After Ilia Topuria’s Profane Return Message
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