Is Topuria vs Gaethje on? Ilia Topuria’s next fight may have been revealed earlier than planned. In a now-deleted Instagram story, Topuria’s manager Lukasz Orzel appeared to confirm that “El Matador” will face Justin Gaethje at UFC 322 on November 15 at Madison Square Garden.
Topuria captured the lightweight title in devastating fashion at UFC 317, flattening Charles Oliveira inside the first round.
Immediately afterward, Paddy Pimblett stormed into the cage for a heated face-off that many assumed set the stage for Topuria’s first defence. Security had to separate the rivals after Topuria shoved the Liverpudlian. That confrontation seemed tailor-made for the UFC to build a grudge match, but Orzel’s accidental reveal has pointed the spotlight elsewhere.
Gaethje emerges as the frontrunner
Gaethje, a former interim lightweight champion, has long campaigned for another shot at undisputed gold. Ranked No.5 at 155 pounds, “The Highlight” is coming off a unanimous decision win over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313. After that victory, he issued a bold ultimatum: give him a title shot or he walks away from the sport.
Despite Dana White initially brushing off those demands, it now appears the UFC has decided to give Gaethje the opportunity he craves. Orzel’s deleted story even included the message “Say goodnight Gaethje” alongside the hashtags #AndStill and #UFC322.
Pimblett and Tsarukyan left waiting
For Pimblett, this development is a setback. The Liverpudlian has been campaigning relentlessly for a title shot since Topuria’s rise, but UFC officials have hesitated to book the matchup. Dana White himself admitted that Pimblett’s post-fight face-off with Topuria went “off script” at UFC 317.
Another contender who seemed destined for the opportunity is No.2-ranked Arman Tsarukyan. He even made weight as the backup fighter for Topuria vs Oliveira, which had fans believing he was next in line. Instead, if the leak is accurate, both Pimblett and Tsarukyan will need to wait.
Topuria vs Gaethje promises fireworks
What makes this potential showdown so compelling is the stylistic matchup. Topuria is one of the most feared strikers in MMA today. Undefeated with a 17-0 record, he has knocked out elite names like Max Holloway, Alexander Volkanovski, and Charles Oliveira in consecutive fights.
Gaethje, meanwhile, has built his reputation as one of the most violent fighters in UFC history. Known for his brawling style and punishing leg kicks, he has only been stopped by submission in his two previous title fights against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. Against Topuria, he will finally meet another striker willing to stand and trade.
Fans can expect a high-octane clash with both fighters preferring to keep the action on the feet. This bout has all the ingredients to become another instant classic.
What it means for the lightweight division
If confirmed, Topuria vs Gaethje will headline one of the UFC’s marquee events of the year. UFC 322 is already expected to feature Tracy Cortez vs Erin Blanchfield, while rumors suggest flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja could defend his belt against Joshua Van in the co-main event.
For Gaethje, this may be his final chance to achieve his dream of becoming undisputed champion. At 36 years old, another setback could push him into retirement. For Topuria, a win over a battle-tested veteran like Gaethje would cement his status as the new king of the division.
Pimblett, Tsarukyan, and other contenders will have to watch closely. The outcome could dictate the future matchmaking at lightweight for years to come.
The road to November
While the UFC has yet to make an official announcement, the signs are hard to ignore. From Orzel’s leaked story to whispers from Renato Moicano and Joshua Van’s contract reveal, all indications point toward Topuria vs Gaethje potentially headlining UFC 322.
Until the promotion makes it official, speculation will continue. But if the leak proves true, the UFC lightweight division is about to deliver an explosive title fight.
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