Despite his role in the UFC, former champion Daniel Cormier has slammed the promotion’s treatment of Arman Tsarukyan as the lightweight title saga continues.
This past June, Ilia Topuria continued his ascent as the sport’s biggest star when he knocked out Charles Oliveira in the UFC 317 main event to become the lightweight champion.
Since then, somewhat of a saga has ensued as there are several lightweight contenders who have been throwing their names in the hat to take on ‘El Matador’ next.
Former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje even went as far as claiming that he will retire if he doesn’t get the next title shot. But in many fans’ eyes, Arman Tsarukyan is by far the most worthy contender.
Cormier slams UFC’s treatment of Tsarukyan
Although ‘Ahalkalakets’ is deemed the rightful number one contender by many, UFC boss Dana White stated that he would not be next to fight for the title, despite having weighed in as the backup at UFC 317.
And things got increasingly worse for Tsarukyan when Topuria claimed that he would rather vacate his title than fight the Armenian next.
With the 28-year-old’s chances of fighting for the undisputed title seemingly dwindling day by day, he has been surprisingly backed by UFC legend and now commentator, Daniel Cormier.
“I’m not saying Arman Tsarukyan is this guy that constantly f—- up and doesn’t get to the scales or get to the fight, it happened one time, he should not be judged solely on that one time, especially after making weight and getting ready to fight as a backup fighter in the last fight,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel.
“I’m just trying to give a little grace to the other side in regards to why that may be happening. At the end of the day, I agree with (the fans), it should be Arman vs Ilia and I don’t think there’s any question about that but I think the problem with it is the lasting memory of (Topuria) and Paddy Pimblett inside the Octagon after the bell, it’s gonna be hard to erase man,” Cormier continued.
UFC insider claims Topuria vs Tsarukyan is booked
With fans and now even Cormier calling for Tsarukyan to be the next contender, calls may have made it to the UFC’s front office.
According to insider, Chael Sonnen, Topuria vs Tsarukyan is officially booked to take place from the T-Mobile Arena in December, in what would be a huge turn of events.