The Ilia Topuria sweepstakes could soon be over after one option claimed to be the front runner.
Ever since Topuria followed up his brief title reign at featherweight with an immediate lightweight crowning in his return to the division at UFC 317, the talk of the town has been what lies ahead for the Spaniard.
The UFC looks to have three options for ‘El Matador’: the chance to capitalize on animosity with Paddy Pimblett, the final shot for Justin Gaethje that he believes is owed, or the meritocratic choice in Arman Tsarukyan.
Many have quickly eliminated the last of those three from the equation after Dana White suggested Tsarukyan’s role as UFC 317 backup fighter was not enough to make up for his late-notice withdrawal from UFC 311.
But according to Tsarukyan himself, things are looking good for him.
- LATEST UFC NEWS: Insider from Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC 319 camp reveals improvement that could spell trouble for Dricus du Plessis
Arman Tsarukyan is confident of getting the first shot at Ilia Topuria
Tsarukyan has accused Topuria of ducking him in recent times after the champ drew criticism for claiming he would rather vacate the belt than give ‘Akhalkalakets’ a shot.
The UFC has not exactly gained a reputation for being a meritocracy, having handed out some controversial title opportunities in the past. In that sense, rewarding Pimblett’s win over Michael Chandler with a shot appeared to be a likely but polarizing choice.
During a recent interview with Kamil Gadzhiev, however, Tsarukyan claimed that he is “70 percent” likely to be the next man stood opposite Topuria inside the Octagon, not ‘The Baddy’.
“I’m number one in the rankings (aside from Charles Oliveira) but the UFC can do whatever they want,” Tsarukyan said (translated by Home of Fight).
“Even if I won’t get a title shot next, if I keep winning they won’t have a choice but to give me one.
“I think there is a 70 percent chance I’ll fight Topuria next,” Tsarukyan added. “They didn’t even offer me anyone else. We’re only negotiating about a title fight.”
UFC insider recently claimed Ilia Topuria vs. Arman Tsarukyan is done
Interestingly, the above comments came shortly after a UFC insider claimed Topuria vs. Tsarukyan is done.
In a video on his YouTube channel, ESPN analyst and former two-division UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen stated that the lightweight king’s first defense is booked for this December at T-Mobile Arena.
“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.
“That fight is done, just so you understand. … (Topuria is) not denying the fight, he has his approach that he has found to build fights,” he added.