New challenges await Ilia Topuria in the UFC lightweight division.
It was a quick night in the office for Spain’s undefeated superstar, Ilia Topuria, as he captured the vacant lightweight title from Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
Topuria only needed a couple of minutes to knock out Oliveira with power shots, getting his hands on a second belt after relinquishing the featherweight title earlier this year.
Now 17-0, many are left to wonder who will be able to stop the seemingly unbeatable Topuria, who hasn’t really shown weaknesses on the ground or on the feet, as of late.
Former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev was long thought to be Topuria’s toughest test at 155 lbs, however, that fight is now out of the picture with Makhachev moving up to the welterweight division where he has his own aspirations of becoming a two-division world champion.
Out of the best lightweights in the world, Makhachev’s longtime coach has singled out one as a title threat for Topuria.

Javier Mendez says Arman Tsarukyan might give Ilia Topuria ‘the most problems’
A legendary coach of both Makhachev and the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov, Javier Mendez thinks #1 contender Arman Tsarukyan would give the new champion Topuria his toughest fight.
Tsarukyan is 9-1 in the UFC since losing to Makhachev in his promotional debut. The 28-year-old is coming off back-to-back wins over ex-champ Oliveira and top contender Beneil Dariush.
Tsarukyan apparently has a certain look in his eyes, ‘hungry’ for the UFC title after having to withdraw from his rematch against Makhachev at UFC 311 due to a back injury the day before.
“I see Justin Gaethje potentially giving [Topuria] some problems,” Mendez started off on Submission Radio.
“Tsarukyan would be the one that, in my opinion, might give him the most problems because Arman’s not gonna stand with them,” Mendez continued.
“Arman’s gonna make it a grappling war.
“So it’s gonna be a war of attrition. Can Ilia survive the continuous ground attack that Arman’s gonna put on him? That would be the test. Can he do that? I don’t know…
“Maybe he can,” Mendez said of Topuria.
“Look what he did to Charles. Charles came in for the takedown, he freaking switched it on him in midair. That was very impressive.
Ilia Topuria sent Arman Tsarukyan a message at UFC 317
While Topuria and UFC boss Dana White have made it clear Tsarukyan needs to win again for title contention, the #1 contender was referenced in Topuria’s post-fight interview.
Like Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, Tsarukyan sat cageside for Topuria vs. Oliveira.
Before he entertained a face-off with Pimblett, Topuria took shots at Tsarukyan after putting Oliveira away at UFC 317.
“There is a guy, when it comes to deliver, his back hurts,” Topuria said of Tsarukyan’s withdrawal from UFC 311.
“Whoever’s ready for me, I’m here…
“Let’s f—— fight. If you’re ready, I’m here,” Topuria said on the microphone.