What's Happening?
Ilia Topuria's manager, Lukasz Orzel, has denied reports that the Georgian fighter was offered a bout against Justin Gaethje at UFC 322. A social media post falsely attributed to Orzel suggested Gaethje should prepare for a fight at Madison Square Garden, but Orzel clarified that Topuria has not received any fight offers and is not currently in training camp. Topuria last competed in June 2025, achieving a knockout victory over Charles Oliveira, while Gaethje's last fight was in March 2025, where he defeated Rafael Fiziev.
Why It's Important?
The denial of the rumored fight between Topuria and Gaethje highlights the prevalence of misinformation in sports media, particularly in the context of high-profile events like UFC 322. Such rumors can impact fighters' preparations and public expectations, potentially affecting ticket sales and viewership. Accurate reporting is crucial for maintaining the integrity of sports journalism and ensuring that fans receive reliable information.
What's Next?
With the rumor dispelled, attention may shift to other confirmed matchups at UFC 322, such as the title fight between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena, and the bout between Valentina Shevchenko and Weili Zhang. Fans and analysts will likely focus on these events, while Topuria continues to maintain his fitness in anticipation of future fight offers.
