Top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan responded to Ilia Topuria’s latest dismissal of a possible 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 stays a mystery. Topuria faced off with Paddy Pimblett within the Octagon immediately after his knockout victory, prompting speculation that the UFC would go for the big-money fight between the 2 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 resulting from a back injury, and hasn’t fought since.
Topuria recently claimed that he’d reasonably vacate the belt than fight Tsarukyan, if the UFC matchmakers resolve that’s who they need for his first title defense.
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 higher to present up the belt and go up, or wait for what happens with me,” Tsarukyan said.
“He knows I’m an enormous problem for him, and I’m going to get his title. He knows that, and he desires to get a straightforward fight with Paddy, Gaethje, or any individual [else]. Just make cash 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 in the event that they told me October with any individual [else], after which December with Ilia, sure! I’ll fight [Dan Hooker], but my goal is a title fight, because I do know I deserve it and I’m the primary contender.”
Tsarukyan can also be inquisitive about a fight with two-time title challenger, Justin Gaethje, for a possible No. 1 contender fight. Gaethje has remained adamant that he’ll likely retire if he doesn’t get the following title shot.
Depending on how things play out the remaining of the yr, Topuria’s next fight could potentially happen 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 within the now-former lightweight champion fighting Topuria. Makhachev is anticipated to face Jack Della Maddalena later this yr in his pursuit of a second UFC title.
Makhachev hasn’t ruled out potentially moving back all the way down to lightweight for the appropriate fight. He most recently defended the title against Renato Moicano at UFC 311, after Tsarukyan withdrew from the primary 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 highest rating if he defeats Maddalena later this yr.