Bold claim: Ilia Topuria isn’t rattled by Arman Tsarukyan at all. And as the year unfolds, Topuria is expected to defend his UFC lightweight crown against interim champ Justin Gaethje. Yet this potential bout isn’t the matchup most fans crave. Tsarukyan, a top contender who pressed for a title shot after being overlooked earlier this year, has been vocal since summer, pressing for a shot at 155 pounds. Many observers believe a Tsarukyan–Topuria clash would test Topuria more than anything else, but the reigning challenger doesn’t share that view.
“Is he my toughest challenge? Not even close,” Topuria said during a live stream with Adin Ross. “I’ve already faced my toughest challenges.” He added that he doesn’t like ranking opponents merely by who they’ve fought, since there’s no easy fight in the UFC. Every fighter is formidable, which is part of why they’re competing in the world’s premier promotion. He noted Tsarukyan’s losses to Islam Makhachev and Mateusz Gamrot, plus an early career knockout, and argued Tsarukyan often relies on opponents tiring to finish fights with ground-and-pound.
Topuria warned that facing someone with true preparation and cardio—someone unafraid of going to the ground—could spell trouble for Tsarukyan. He implied that Tsarukyan would falter against a well-prepared opponent who can sustain pressure.
Tsarukyan, currently 10-2 in the UFC and riding a five-fight win streak, was lined up for a rematch with Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title in January 2025 but missed that window due to a last-minute injury. He later served as the backup for Topuria’s vacant-title bout with Charles Oliveira and, in November at UFC Qatar, submitted Dan Hooker. Beyond the cage, Tsarukyan has pursued grappling accolades, expanding his arsenal while awaiting another title opportunity.
Despite the criticisms, Topuria isn’t dismissive of a Tsarukyan matchup. If the UFC wants that fight, he’s ready. “You never call the UFC and tell them who you want to fight,” he explained. If they offer Arman, he’ll take it—no problem. He’s faced tough opponents before and isn’t picky about the order of his challenges.
“Justin, Arman, I don’t care. Both of them, on the same night.” And with that, Topuria leaves the door open for either test, showing he’s prepared to adapt to whatever the promotion decides—and confident in his own readiness to rise to the occasion.
