UFC lightweight contender Renato Moicano has claimed that Ilia Topuria’s next title defense could be at UFC 322 on a super card.
Earlier this year at UFC 317, Ilia Topuria once again showed why he is the current biggest star in the sport when he knocked out Charles Oliveira in the first round to become the lightweight champion.
Immediately after the fight, Topuria was faced with his potential next opponent when Joe Rogan called Paddy Pimblett into the ring for an impromptu face off, which angered UFC boss Dana White.
Despite the face off, talks never seemed to materialize between ‘El Matador’ and ‘The Baddy’, and there are several fighters ahead of the Brit in the pecking order.
Renato Moicano leaks potential UFC 322 super card
After joining an elite group of fighters to win a title in two different weight classes, the 28-year-old will likely be keen to go on and defend his strap multiple times in an attempt to become the GOAT of the weight class.
And with that, there are talks that the Spaniard could return before the end of the year to make the first defense of his 155lb title, and lightweight contender Renato Moicano believes he knows who it’s going to be against.
Speaking in a recent interview with Laerte Viana, Moicano claimed that he’s hearing ‘whispers’ that Topuria will defend his title against Justin Gaethje next at UFC 322, scheduled for November 15.
Gaethje’s relationship with the UFC seemed to be on the rocks earlier this year after he claimed that he might retire if he wasn’t granted the next lightweight title shot.
After hearing Gaethje’s retirement ultimatum, Dana White told ‘The Highlight’ to retire, claiming that if he already has retirement on his mind then it’s not a good sign.
However, according to Moicano, that isn’t the only title fight that could be on UFC 322. The Brazilian also stated that the promotion are looking to add Alexandre Pantoja vs Joshua Van as the co-main event for the flyweight title.
And not long after Moicano’s claims, Van took to social media to alert his fans that he has signed the contract for his next fight.
The UFC could close the year out strong
A few weeks ago, it was announced that the UFC has signed a huge $7.7 billion deal with Paramount for the broadcasting rights in the United States, with the network going away from the PPV model.
And with just a few months left of the 2025 schedule, the promotion may be looking to go out with a bang, setting up for what could be a huge 2026 for the sport.