The UFC lightweight division could be in for one of its most explosive title fights yet. Ilia Topuria, the newly crowned lightweight champion, may make his first defense against none other than Justin Gaethje at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. While the bout remains unconfirmed by the promotion, a cryptic social media post from Topuria’s manager, Lukasz Orzel, has fans buzzing about what could be one of the year’s most high-profile main events.

The Manager’s Tease That Sparked Excitement

On August 27, 2025, Orzel took to X (formerly Twitter) and dropped a statement that immediately set the MMA world ablaze:

“Say goodnight Gaethje… #AndStill #UFC322.”

The message strongly implied that Topuria vs. Gaethje is being lined up as the UFC 322 headliner. Adding fuel to the speculation, lightweight contender Renato Moicano claimed he had heard “whispers” about the matchup while speaking with Laerte Viana. He even suggested that the card could feature Alexandre Pantoja vs. Joshua Van as the co-main event, making UFC 322 a blockbuster night at Madison Square Garden.

Not everyone, however, is convinced the fight is official. Spanish journalist Alvaro Colmenero urged fans to remain cautious, pointing out that conflicting reports exist and stressing that only the UFC’s announcement should be treated as confirmation.

Still, the mere hint of Topuria facing Gaethje has already electrified fans. Both men bring contrasting styles and massive followings, making the potential matchup one of the most exciting possibilities in the sport.

Ilia Topuria’s Meteoric Rise

Few fighters in recent UFC history have experienced a meteoric rise quite like Ilia Topuria. Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, and raised in Alicante, Spain, Topuria began wrestling at the age of seven before transitioning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he earned his black belt under Jorge Climent. His professional MMA debut came in 2015, and although he suffered a submission defeat in a Cage Warriors bantamweight title fight, he quickly rebounded and showcased his immense potential.

Topuria joined the UFC in 2020 and immediately made an impression with a knockout win over Youssef Zalal. He followed that up with victories against Damon Jackson, Ryan Hall, and Jai Herbert, proving his versatility as both a striker and grappler. His reputation skyrocketed when he outclassed featherweight contenders Josh Emmett and Bryce Mitchell, solidifying himself as a force at 145 pounds.

In February 2024, at UFC 298, Topuria shocked the world by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski to claim the featherweight championship. He went on to defend that belt against Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October 2024, cementing his status as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.

In 2025, Topuria made the bold move to vacate his featherweight crown and chase greatness at lightweight. That gamble paid off at UFC 317 on June 28, when he knocked out former champion Charles Oliveira in devastating fashion to capture the 155-pound title. With that victory, Topuria extended his undefeated record to 17-0 and joined the short list of fighters to hold titles in two weight classes.

Justin Gaethje: The Most Violent Test

If Justin Gaethje indeed gets the nod for UFC 322, Topuria’s first lightweight title defense could hardly be more dangerous. Gaethje, nicknamed “The Highlight,” has been a fan favorite since joining the UFC in 2017, thanks to his relentless pressure, devastating leg kicks, and knockout power.

Gaethje turned professional in 2011 and stormed through the ranks with his all-action style. His UFC debut was an instant classic, defeating Michael Johnson in a war that introduced fans to his never-back-down approach. Over the years, Gaethje has built a reputation as one of the most violent fighters in the sport’s history, willing to trade blow-for-blow with anyone who stands across from him.

He claimed the interim lightweight title by defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 in 2020 but fell short against Khabib Nurmagomedov in a unification bout later that year. Gaethje earned another title shot at UFC 274 in 2022 but was submitted by Charles Oliveira.

Despite those setbacks, Gaethje has remained near the top of the lightweight division. His highlight-reel knockout of Dustin Poirier in 2023 earned him the symbolic BMF title, while his March 2025 victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 kept him firmly in the title picture. Though he suffered a knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 in 2024, Gaethje has consistently demanded a shot at the undisputed crown — even hinting at retirement if passed over.

Now, with Topuria in need of a marquee opponent, the stars may finally be aligning for Gaethje.

Conflicting Opinions on the Matchup

Interestingly, Ilia Topuria himself previously dismissed the idea of fighting Gaethje. In a July 2025 interview with ESPN MMA, he said, “Fighting against Justin Gaethje, I don’t think that’s going to be something exciting for the fans,” expressing a preference for “new blood” like Paddy Pimblett.

That statement makes his manager’s recent tease all the more surprising. Whether it represents a change of strategy, fan demand, or UFC matchmaking priorities, Topuria vs. Gaethje now looks like a real possibility.

Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan, the division’s No. 1 contender, has also been in the mix but has faced setbacks. After withdrawing from a UFC 311 title fight due to injury, Tsarukyan has found himself sidelined. Topuria mocked Tsarukyan’s reaction to his win over Oliveira, while Khabib Nurmagomedov publicly backed Tsarukyan as the man to eventually dethrone the Spanish-Georgian champion.

Other voices, like bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley, have pointed to Gaethje or Pimblett as the best next step for Topuria, emphasizing the marketability of those fights over Tsarukyan’s contender status.

UFC 322: A Stacked Card in the Making

If the Topuria vs. Gaethje rumors prove true, UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden could become one of the promotion’s biggest cards of the year. In addition to the potential lightweight title headliner, reports suggest that Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena is also being targeted for the card — a clash that would pit one of the UFC’s most dominant champions against a fast-rising welterweight contender.

With Alexandre Pantoja vs. Joshua Van also rumored, the event could deliver a mix of established champions and rising stars, ensuring another historic night in the world’s most iconic combat sports venue.

Conclusion

Whether or not the fight is officially signed, the possibility of Ilia Topuria defending his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 322 has captured the imagination of MMA fans worldwide. Topuria, the undefeated champion who has conquered both the featherweight and lightweight divisions, would be stepping into the cage with one of the most violent and beloved fighters in UFC history.

For Topuria, the matchup offers the chance to solidify his status as the sport’s next megastar. For Gaethje, it may represent his final shot at UFC gold — a fight that could define his legacy.

As fans await official confirmation from the UFC, one thing is certain: if Topuria vs. Gaethje headlines Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2025, it will be a fight-night atmosphere unlike any other.