Ilia Topuria has plenty of options for his first UFC lightweight title defense, but there is one contender in particular that he categorically doesn’t want to fight.
After knocking Charles Oliveira out cold in the UFC 317 main event to win the vacant lightweight title, Ilia Topuria once again showcased why he is the sport’s biggest current star.
Immediately after his title win, ‘El Matador’ was faced with his potential next opponent as Paddy Pimblett stormed the cage and had an impromptu face off with the Spaniard.
Despite that, UFC boss Dana White poured cold water on that potential fight following the event, expressing dislike for the face off which was prompted by Joe Rogan.
UFC insider claims Topuria’s first lightweight title defense is ‘done’
Also waiting in line for an undisputed lightweight title shot are longtime contenders Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje, who are both in a better spot than ‘The Baddy’.
However, White has also slashed their chances at fighting for the title next as he urged Gaethje to retire following his ‘whacky’ retirement ultimatum, and told Tsarukyan that he still has some way to go before he is given another title shot.
Not only that, but ‘Ahalkalakets’ chances at fighting for the title next took an even bigger hit when Topuria recently claimed that he would rather vacate his title than fight the Armenian.
Despite ‘El Matador’s’ shocking statement, which has been slammed by fans and former fighters, UFC insider Chael Sonnen has claimed that Topuria vs Tsarukyan is ‘done’ and will be happening next.
“I’m going to officially give you some of the worst kept secret matchups going on in MMA right now, Ilia Topuria is fighting Arman Tsarukyan and yes, I am telling you that,” Sonnen said on his YouTube channel.
“That fight is done, just so you understand… He’s not denying the fight, he has his approach that he has found to build fights,” Sonnen continued.
The UFC legend went on to hint that the fight will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in December, which would line up with Topuria’s plans to return.
Tsarukyan goes in on Topuria in latest expletive rant
Although Sonnen may be right and Topuria is just playing a game to build a potential fight against Tsarukyan, the Armenian isn’t aware that is the case and continues to vent his frustration with the Spaniard.
“Who wants to let Ilia know he’s not (Conor) McGregor, and that he’s making all the champs look bad – champs fight the number one contender,” Tsarukyan said in a recent post on X.
“But this is the same guy who thinks he’s the ‘BMF’, how do you say p—- in Spanish?” he added.