Arman Tsarukyan believes Arman Tsarukyan’s longtime rival Ilia Topuria would be making the smartest move of his career if he bypasses him and chases a blockbuster showdown with Islam Makhachev.
Topuria is set to face Justin Gaethje in the UFC Freedom 250 main event in a lightweight title unification clash. With many expecting the Spaniard-Georgian star to get the job done, speculation has already shifted toward what comes next and according to Arman Tsarukyan, the obvious answer is Makhachev.
Speaking to reporters after his RAF 9 victory over Keelon “Mugzy” Jimison, Arman Tsarukyan admitted that if the UFC gives Topuria the green light, he fully expects him to pursue the bigger opportunity.
“If UFC lets him move up, he’s going to move up,” Arman Tsarukyan said. “It’s better to fight with Islam than me because it’s a third title, big money. If he loses to Islam, it’s OK because he moved up and lost to the pound-for-pound king. But if he loses to me at 155, he’s gonna be gone.”
The comments underline the confidence Arman Tsarukyan has in his own ability. While he wants the fight with Topuria, he believes the risks at lightweight are far greater for the reigning champion than testing himself against Makhachev in a superfight.
For now, Arman Tsarukyan remains in limbo as he waits for the lightweight title picture to unfold.
“I’m waiting for the White House card,” Arman Tsarukyan said. “When they’re going to fight, then they’re going to announce my next fight. Probably September, October, or the end of this year. It depends on who wins. If it’s Ilia, probably end of this year. If it’s Gaethje, probably September or October.”
While he waits for clarity inside the Octagon, Arman Tsarukyan has kept himself active through freestyle wrestling competition under the RAF banner. He is already booked to face Colby Covington at RAF 11 on July 18.
As for the Freedom 250 main event, Arman Tsarukyan sees Topuria as the slight favorite but refuses to count out the veteran Gaethje.
“I think Ilia Topuria, but Justin is an OG,” Arman Tsarukyan said. “You never know. When he fought Fiziev, everybody thought he was done, but he went in there and showed he can still compete at the highest level. Same with Paddy Pimblett. I’d say 60-40 for Topuria.”
Even with all the uncertainty, Arman Tsarukyan knows what the fans want.
“I can see what people are saying and what social media is talking about,” Arman Tsarukyan said. “Everybody wants to see me vs. Ilia. Everybody is excited for that fight. Even me.”
For now, Arman Tsarukyan can only wait and watch as the lightweight division inches closer to its next major shake-up.
