Top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan responded to Ilia Topuria’s latest dismissal of a potential title clash.
Since Ilia Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira to win the vacant UFC lightweight belt at UFC 317, the division’s next title fight remains a mystery. Topuria faced off with Paddy Pimblett in the Octagon immediately after his knockout victory, prompting speculation that the UFC would opt for the big-money fight between the two longtime rivals.
But top contender Arman Tsarukyan arguably makes the strongest case for a title shot, despite withdrawing on hours’ notice from his previous shot at UFC 311. Tsarukyan withdrew from his fight with Islam Makhachev due to a back injury, and hasn’t fought since.
Topuria recently claimed that he’d rather vacate the belt than fight Tsarukyan, if the UFC matchmakers decide that’s who they want for his first title defense.
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Arman Tsarukyan reacts to Ilia Topuria’s latest comments dismissing potential fight
During a media day press conference in Los Angeles, Tsarukyan hit back at Topuria’s latest dismissals.
“If he feels he’s going to lose that fight, it’s better to give up the belt and go up, or wait for what happens with me,” Tsarukyan said.
“He knows I’m a big problem for him, and I’m going to get his title. He knows that, and he wants to get an easy fight with Paddy, Gaethje, or somebody [else]. Just make money and don’t defend. But with me? It’s going to be hard for him.
“I already told them I’m ready in September, October, I train twice a day and I’m healthy now,” Tsarukyan continued. “But if they told me October with somebody [else], and then December with Ilia, sure! I’ll fight [Dan Hooker], but my goal is a title fight, because I know I deserve it and I’m the number one contender.”
Tsarukyan is also interested in a fight with two-time title challenger, Justin Gaethje, for a potential No. 1 contender fight. Gaethje has remained adamant that he’ll likely retire if he doesn’t get the next title shot.
Depending on how things play out the rest of the year, Topuria’s next fight could potentially take place against the lightweight division’s former titleholder.
Islam Makhachev’s coach now open to exploring Ilia Topuria fight after UFC 317
Makhachev’s longtime coach, Javier Mendez, recently pivoted on his previous disinterest in the now-former lightweight champion fighting Topuria. Makhachev is expected to face Jack Della Maddalena later this year in his pursuit of a second UFC title.
Makhachev hasn’t ruled out potentially moving back down to lightweight for the right fight. He most recently defended the title against Renato Moicano at UFC 311, after Tsarukyan withdrew from the main event booking.
Topuria has since taken over the UFC’s top pound-for-pound spot, a position long held by Makhachev during his lightweight title reign. Makhachev was bumped down one spot, but could potentially reclaim the top ranking if he defeats Maddalena later this year.