Arman Tsarukyan isn’t falling for Ilia Topuria’s excuses. Since Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to claim the vacant lightweight title, the UFC has kept the next title fight a secret. While Topuria stirred headlines with an in-cage faceoff against Paddy Pimblett right after his win, Tsarukyan believes he’s the one who truly earned the shot regardless of past setbacks.
Tsarukyan was forced to pull out of his title bout against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 due to a back injury. That withdrawal marked the first time in six years with the promotion that Tsarukyan had to step away from a booked fight. Still, Topuria has made it clear he doesn’t want to face him and even claimed he’d rather give up the belt than risk that matchup.
Tsarukyan didn’t hold back when asked about the comments during a media day scrum in Los Angeles.
“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.”
The Armenian contender shut down Topuria’s doubts about his ability to make it to the Octagon. He’s fully recovered, training twice daily, and ready to return between September and October. If the UFC lines up another opponent in the meantime, he’s fine with that as long as the end goal remains the lightweight crown.
“I already told them I’m ready in September, October, I train twice a day and I’m healthy now,” Tsarukyan added. “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.”
Topuria’s narrative that he doesn’t trust Tsarukyan to make the fight doesn’t sit right with the 27-year-old.
“He feels that he’s going to lose that fight, and it’s better to give the belt and then like go up or wait to see what happens with me because he knows I’m a big problem for him,” Tsarukyan told reporters. “I’m going to get his title, he knows that, and he wants an easy fight with Paddy (Pimblett) or (Justin) Gaethje or someone, just make money and defend, but with me, it’s going to be hard for him.”
Still, Tsarukyan remains locked in and ready for anyone. He’s also eyeing a potential No. 1 contender bout with two-time title challenger Justin Gaethje, who recently hinted at retirement if he doesn’t get the next title shot. Whether it’s Gaethje or Hooker in the meantime, Tsarukyan isn’t losing focus, he wants Topuria, and he’s not backing down.
As the UFC weighs its options for the final stretch of the year, Arman Tsarukyan continues to make it loud and clear, he’s ready, he’s healthy, and he’s coming for that belt.
