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Ilia Topuria’s manager drops huge hint that first lightweight title defense is booked for UFC 322

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Jamie Theodosi | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 12:28 PM ET

Ilia Topuria’s first UFC lightweight title defense could be just around the corner as his manager has dropped a major hint.

This past June, Ilia Topuria once again showcased why he is widely regarded as the biggest current star in the sport when he knocked out Charles Oliveira in the UFC 317 main event.

Immediately after the fight, the newly crowned 28-year-old champion was faced with his potential next opponent as Joe Rogan called Paddy Pimblett into the cage for an impromptu face off.

Despite that, UFC boss Dana White revealed he was angry with the face off, hinting that Pimblett wouldn’t be next to fight for the title.

Topuria’s manager drops hint that title defense is booked for UFC 322

Although a fight between Topuria and Pimblett is widely regarded as one of the biggest current fights that could be made in the sport, it doesn’t look like that will be next.

Earlier this week, lightweight contender Renato Moicano claimed that he is hearing ‘whispers’ that Topuria’s first lightweight title defense will take place at UFC 322 on November 15.

And not long after, ‘El Matador’s’ manager dropped a major hint online that the 28-year-old will fight on November 15 against Justin Gaethje.

“Say goodnight Gaethje… #AndStill #UFC322,” Topuria’s manager posted online.

Ilia Topuria's manager hints at Justin Gaethje being his next opponent at UFC 322

UFC 322 will be at Madison Square Garden. It is rumored that Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena will be on that card

(h/t @DovySimuMMA) pic.twitter.com/WsgRSg2Wvf
— MMA On Point (@OnPointMMA) August 27, 2025

Former interim champion Gaethje made a bold claim earlier this year that if he wasn’t given the next lightweight title shot that he would retire from the sport.

‘The Highlight’s’ last fight came back in March at UFC 313 when he scored another win over Rafael Fiziev in a late notice fight.

Fans react to potential fight between Topuria and Gaethje

Although Gaethje has long been a fan favorite in the sport, a large majority of the fanbase believes that he doesn’t deserve another undisputed title shot.

“That’s so dumb, Gaethje did not earn it, we’d rather see Paddy,” one fan reacted.

“Man is literally about to catch a body on live television,” a second fan said.

“Sorry but Justin Gaethje doesn’t deserve a title shot, Dana White, it should be Arman Tsarukyan,” another fan claimed.