According to recent reports, the current UFC lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria, is now expressing interest in fighting top contender Arman Tsarukyan.
Previously, “El Matador” had shown no inclination to face the Armenian fighter. Tsarukyan secured a submission victory over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar last year and immediately called out Topuria. However, at that time, Topuria, a Georgian-Spaniard, declined the fight and even suggested he would relinquish his title rather than compete against Tsarukyan.
Ilia Topuria Aims to Defend His Lightweight Title Against Arman Tsarukyan
Ilia Topuria is slated to face the current interim lightweight champion and two-time titleholder, Justin Gaethje, in the main event of UFC Freedom 250. Following this title unification bout, for which “El Matador” is confident of a first-round knockout victory, he desires to defend his championship against “Ahalkalakets.” This was revealed by Topuria himself in an interview with Carlos Contreras Legaspi, as reported by Legaspi.
“He really wants to fight Arman. If there’s one title defense, he’ll want it to be against Arman next. At that point, it would be undeniable. I think if Ilia wins, Arman Tsarukyan will be the next title defense and then we’ll see what happens after that. Because there’s also the ambition of fighting Islam.”
Following the fight on June 14, Topuria will either retain his lightweight championship or potentially move up to the 170-pound division to challenge champion Islam Makhachev. He has also voiced interest in a potential bout with Conor McGregor, contingent on “The Notorious” winning his comeback fight against Max Holloway in July.
Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan has been officially designated as the backup fighter for the Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje matchup, as confirmed by Dana White. His selection as a backup for another lightweight title fight is a positive indicator for him and his supporters. In the past, Tsarukyan’s actions both inside and outside the octagon had reportedly hindered his opportunity for a title shot.
If the upcoming fight proceeds without any unforeseen injuries, Tsarukyan could very well become the next challenger for the lightweight title after the June 14 event. This scenario could lead to a highly anticipated showdown between Topuria and Tsarukyan by the end of the year, with both fighters potentially still in their prime.
Ilia Topuria reportedly desires a fight with Arman Tsarukyan after his bout with Justin Gaethje.
English Translation:
As per recent reports, reigning UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is now interested in fighting top contender Arman Tsarukyan.
In the past, “El Matador” had no interest in facing the Armenian fighter. Tsarukyan submitted Dan Hooker last year at UFC Qatar, after which he immediately called out Topuria. However, at that time, the Georgian-Spaniard declined the fight, even stating he would vacate his title rather than compete against the Armenian.
Ilia Topuria aims to defend his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan
Ilia Topuria is set to face the current interim lightweight champion and two-time titleholder, Justin Gaethje, in the main event of UFC Freedom 250. After this title unification clash, in which “El Matador” is confident he will win in the first round by knockout, he wants to defend his throne against “Ahalkalakets.” He admitted this in an interview with Carlos Contreras Legaspi, as reported by Legaspi.
“He really wants to fight Arman. If there’s one title defense, he’ll want it to be against Arman next. At that point, it would be undeniable. I think if Ilia wins, Arman Tsarukyan will be the next title defense and then we’ll see what happens after that. Because there’s also the ambition of fighting Islam.”
Following the June 14 bout, Topuria will either remain the lightweight kingpin or vacate and move up to 170 pounds to fight champion Islam Makhachev. He has also expressed interest in fighting Conor McGregor if “The Notorious” wins his comeback bout against Max Holloway in July.
Arman Tsarukyan, on the other hand, will serve as the official backup for the Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje fight, as announced by Dana White. The 29-year-old being selected as the backup fighter for another lightweight title fight is a positive sign for him and his fans. Previously, Tsarukyan’s actions inside and outside the octagon had reportedly prevented him from receiving a title shot.
If events unfold as planned on June 14 and no injuries occur, Tsarukyan could emerge as the next lightweight title challenger after the event. Fans could then hope to witness a blockbuster clash with Topuria by the end of the year, while both fighters remain in their prime.
