Islam Makhachev will watch closely to see how things unfold in his now-former division when Ilia Topuria meets Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 — and beyond.
With Makhachev vacating the lightweight title ahead of a move up to 170 pounds, Topuria and Oliveira will battle at UFC 317 to secure their place on the soon-to-be empty throne.
But while much attention is on their showdown at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, the presence of Arman Tsarukyan as the UFC 317 backup fighter has led to discussions about what lies ahead for the future champion.
Topuria, for one, doesn’t expect it to be Tsarukyan if he emerges with the 155-pound title in his possession. ‘El Matador’ recently claimed that the Russian-Armenian hasn’t earned the shot after pulling out from his Makhachev rematch on late notice at UFC 311 this past January.
Islam Makhachev says Arman Tsarukyan must be next for UFC 317 winner on one condition
Makhachev, however, has a different view from Topuria’s.
During a recent interview with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, the Dagestani backed Tsarukyan’s claim to the first shot at Saturday’s UFC 317 main event winner.
That’s providing he successfully makes weight on Friday, something that many don’t see as a guarantee after the UFC 311 debacle and theories such as Joe Rogan’s on Tsarukyan pulling out due to a weigh cut-induced injury.
“You know, my opinion now, I know that Tsarukyan will also make weight (as UFC 317 backup),” Makhachev said.
“If he makes weight now and shows people (he) can make weight, he has to be next.”
Arman Tsarukyan sends ominous threat to Ilia Topuria
Tsarukyan evidently hasn’t taken too kindly to Topuria’s stance on the matter.
As he gears up to cut down and make it to the scale — which would be further than he got at UFC 311 — the Russian-Armenian contender hit back at one half of the UFC 317 main event.
After being told he needs to earn his shot against the winner by Topuria, Tsarukyan vowed to make the Spaniard pay inside the cage should he emerge from International Fight Week as lightweight king.
“IF you win, I will wipe the octagon floor with your face @Topuriailia,” Tsarukyan wrote.
Before their potential bout reaches the cage down the line, both men have work to do in the coming days. First up is Tsarukyan’s weigh-in requirement to fulfill his backup obligations, followed by Topuria’s attempt at achieving two-division glory.