Islam Makhachev has urged Ilia Topuria to do the right thing with the title that the Dagestani previously held.
The future of the lightweight division remains undecided almost two months after Topuria secured his spot as successor to Makhachev on the throne.
Following a brief reign at 145 pounds, Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in his first fight back at 155 pounds. It didn’t take long for focus to turn to the Spanish star’s next assignment, but things are still up in the air.
Arman Tsarukyan, Paddy Pimblett, and Justin Gaethje have all been staking their claim for the first shot at unseating ‘El Matador’. And according to the king who vacated the crown this year, the choice is obvious.
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Islam Makhachev wants to see Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan
While Gaethje made a retirement threat to the UFC in order to boost his chances of getting the nod, Pimblett has looked to play on his animosity and face-off with Topuria at T-Mobile Arena on June 28.
Tsarukyan, meanwhile, has been widely branded the most deserving, meritocratic choice. The Russian-Armenian’s stock, however, took a hit in the promotion’s eyes after his late withdrawal from this past January’s UFC 311 main event against Makhachev.
Although Tsarukyan made weight as the UFC 317 backup fighter, it remains to be seen whether that was enough to earn back the UFC’s trust. And there’s also the small matter of Topuria outright rejecting Tsarukyan’s claim publicly.
But for Makhachev, his former opponent is absolutely the right option.
“Arman made weight for the last (title fight at UFC 317), he was the backup,” Makhachev said during an RB Sport press conference.
“He should be next in the fight for the belt. This is the most relevant fight at the moment,” he added.
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Arman Tsarukyan has moved on from Ilia Topuria and is targeting a title eliminator
Interestingly, it seems that Tsarukyan is not holding out hope on getting a title shot soon.
He recently claimed that Topuria is not set to return in 2025, leaving him instead targeting the likes of Gaethje and Pimblett for a title eliminator fight before the year is out.
“(Topuria) wants to come back in January or February,” Tsarukyan said in a video on Adam Zubayraev’s YouTube channel. “And I haven’t fought in a long time.
“So I think I’ll need to fight in October or November. And I talked to the boss yesterday. They said maybe they will set up a fight with someone.
“In Abu Dhabi or in Qatar…maybe Gaethje, maybe (Dan) Hooker, maybe Paddy,” Tsarukyan added, pointing to the Scouser as his preferred opponent.