The first UFC light weight of Ilia Topuria title defense could just be around the corner because his manager dropped a big hint.
Last June Ilia Topuria again showed why he is generally considered the largest current star in sport when he eliminated Charles Oliveira in the UFC 317 Main Event.
Immediately after the fight, the newly crowned 28-year-old champion was confronted with his potential next opponent when Joe Rogan Paddy Pimblett called in the cage for a spontaneous face.
Nevertheless, UFC boss Dana White revealed that he was angry with the face, and showed that Pimblett would not fight next to the title.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
The manager of Topuria drops Hint that title defense has been booked for UFC 322
Although a fight between Topuria and Pimblett is generally considered to be one of the largest current fights that can be hit in sport, it does not seem that the following will be next.
Earlier this week, lightweight competition Renato Moicano claimed that he hears 'Whispers' that the first lightweight defense of Topuria will take place at UFC 322 on November 15.
And not long after, the manager of 'El Matador' dropped a big hint online that the 28-year-old will fight against Justin Gaethje on November 15.
“Say good night Gaethje … #andstill #UFC322,” the manager of Topuria posted online.
The manager of Ilia Topuria refers to Justin Gaethje as his next opponent at UFC 322 👀
UFC 322 is in Madison Square Garden. The rumor is that Islam Makhachev vs. Jack della Maddalena on that map will be 🫢
(h/t @dovysimumma) pic.twitter.com/WSGRSG2WVF
– MMA on Punt (@onpointmma) 27 August 2025
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Former interim champion Gaethje made a daring claim earlier this year that if he did not get the next lightweight title shot that he would retire from sport.
'The last fight of the peak came back in March at UFC 313 when he scored another victory over Rafael Fiziev in a late figure fight.
Fans respond to potential fight between Topuria and Gaethje
Although Gaethje has long been a favorite with fans in sport, a large majority of the fan base believes that he does not deserve another undisputed title shot.
“That is so stupid, Gaethje did not earn it, we would rather see Paddy,” a fan responded.
“Man is literally at the point of catching a body on live television,” said a second fan.
“Sorry, but Justin Gaethje does not deserve a title shot, Dana White, it should be Arman Tsarukyan,” another fan claimed.
Gaethje is tailored to Topuria to Ko.
– Mufasa (@Mo_Konnect) 27 August 2025
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“Justin can't handle fluffe puncher max. Ridiculous fight,” said another fan.