The UFC has long treated Madison Square Garden as one among its most iconic proving grounds. Ever for the reason that promotion returned to Latest York City following the state’s legalization of MMA in 2016, the UFC has made it a priority to stack the annual November card with blockbuster matchups. Now, in accordance with lightweight contender Renato Moicano, this yr’s event could possibly be no exception.
During a recent interview with Laerte Viana, Moicano dropped a tantalizing hint that UFC 322, scheduled to happen at Madison Square Garden on November fifteenth, may feature two high-stakes matchups on the very top of the cardboard: featherweight champion Ilia Topuria defending his title against former interim lightweight kingpin Justin Gaethje, and flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja squaring off with streaking young phenom Joshua Van.
🚨| Renato Moicano says he’s hearing “whispers” that the UFC wish to have Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje & Alexandre Pantoja vs Joshua Van Essential and Co-Essential #UFC322 card in Madison Square Garden on November fifteenth respectively! 👀
via @laertevianamma YT #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/pK6vDiPegk
— MMA Surface (@MMASurface) August 27, 2025
While the UFC has yet to officially announce the cardboard, Moicano’s words have already sparked waves of speculation and excitement across the MMA community.
Topuria vs. Gaethje: A Firestorm within the Making
If true, the prospect of Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje immediately provides UFC 322 with probably the most electrifying title fights of the yr. Topuria, who captured the featherweight belt in February with a clinical demolition of Alexander Volkanovski, is undefeated and has established himself as one among the game’s fastest-rising stars. Known for his precision boxing and ruthless ending ability, the Georgian-Spanish fighter has quickly developed a fame as probably the most dangerous strikers pound-for-pound.
Ilia Topuria’s manager just hinted at a fight between Ilia Topuria & Justin Gaethje🔥
Is that this the fight to make at 155?👀 pic.twitter.com/Eyjpy4MWXp
— Clipped Fighting (@harmheerebeek) August 27, 2025
Yet his next challenge—if indeed Gaethje is the person across from him—presents an interesting stylistic clash. Gaethje, fresh off probably the most impressive stretches of his profession, has never been shy of taking over daunting assignments. A battle-hardened veteran of the lightweight wars, Gaethje has built his legacy on violent brawls, devastating leg kicks, and fearless pressure. Whether or not he’s dropping to featherweight or Topuria is moving upward stays cloudy, however the mere possibility is sufficient to stir intrigue.
For Gaethje, a victory would further cement his fame as probably the most exciting fighters of all time, and maybe provide him with a belt in a second division. For Topuria, surviving Gaethje’s notoriously reckless storm would underscore his status as a generational talent. Either way, the matchup screams fireworks and serves as a perfect most important event for a venue as prestigious as MSG.
Pantoja vs. Van: A Generational Crossroads
The suggested co-main event has its own brand of storyline intrigue. Alexandre Pantoja stands today because the king of the flyweights, a champion known not only for his relentless submission game but additionally his near-iron will. Pantoja has built his championship run on durability, aggression, and a knack for thriving within the blood-and-guts style fights which have defined his reign.
Joshua Van has hinted at some impending fight news 👀🔥
Are we about to get confirmation of a title shot against UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja for “The Fearless?” pic.twitter.com/RE9HASqDHK
— Fighters Only (@FightersOnly) August 27, 2025
His rumored challenger, Joshua Van, is one among the latest names to capture fan buzz within the flyweight division. At just 22 years old, the Myanmar-born sensation has turned heads along with his fearless striking, rapid pace, and skill to complete fights inside the space. While some may argue that Van’s resume isn’t yet fully deserving of a title shot, his undefeated rise and the UFC’s long tradition of injecting youthful energy into their marquee events make him a compelling, if surprising, candidate.
Should the matchup be finalized, Madison Square Garden would once more serve because the stage for a compelling storyline: a veteran champion fighting to guard his throne against an ambitious young challenger out to make history.
If Moicano’s claims prove true, UFC 322 could develop into one other entry into the Madison Square Garden pantheon: Topuria vs. Gaethje offering near-certain chaos at the highest of the bill, and Pantoja vs. Van bringing a generational passing-of-the-torch narrative within the co-main slot.
The whispers may not yet have the solidity of official confirmation, but on the planet of MMA, whispers often result in roars. Should these bouts materialize come November fifteenth, fans filing into MSG might be treated to precisely the form of unpredictable, spectacular theater that has made the UFC’s yearly Latest York trip a highlight on the combat sports calendar.