Ilia Topuria faces fresh challenges in the UFC lightweight division.
Spain`s undefeated star, Ilia Topuria, secured a swift victory at UFC 317, capturing the lightweight title from Charles Oliveira.
Topuria knocked out Oliveira with powerful strikes in mere minutes, obtaining the lightweight belt. He had previously relinquished the featherweight title earlier this year.
With his record now standing at 17-0, many question who can challenge the seemingly unstoppable Topuria, who has recently displayed no apparent weaknesses in striking or grappling.
Previously, former lightweight king Islam Makhachev was considered Topuria`s most significant challenge at 155 pounds. However, that potential matchup is off the table as Makhachev is moving to the welterweight division, aiming to become a two-division champion himself.
Among the elite lightweights globally, Makhachev`s long-term coach has identified a specific fighter as a potential threat to Topuria`s reign.
Coach Javier Mendez Believes Arman Tsarukyan Poses the Toughest Challenge for Ilia Topuria
Javier Mendez, renowned coach of both Makhachev and the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov, considers the number one contender, Arman Tsarukyan, to be the most difficult potential opponent for the new champion, Topuria.
Tsarukyan holds a 9-1 record in the UFC following his promotional debut loss to Makhachev. The 28-year-old recently secured consecutive victories against former champion Charles Oliveira and top contender Beneil Dariush.
Tsarukyan reportedly appears highly motivated, `hungry` for the UFC championship, especially after withdrawing from his scheduled rematch with Makhachev at UFC 311 due to a back injury suffered just one day prior.
“I believe Justin Gaethje could potentially pose some challenges for [Topuria],” Mendez stated during an appearance on Submission Radio.
Mendez elaborated, saying, “In my view, Tsarukyan is the one who might cause him the most difficulty, as Arman will not choose to stand and strike with him.”
He added, “Arman will turn the fight into a grappling battle.
“Therefore, it will become a test of endurance. Can Ilia withstand the relentless ground assault Arman will employ? That presents the challenge. Can he manage it? I`m uncertain…”
“Perhaps he can,” Mendez commented regarding Topuria`s ability.
He referenced Topuria`s recent fight, saying, “Consider what he did against Charles [Oliveira]. Charles attempted a takedown, and he astonishingly reversed it in mid-air. That was incredibly impressive.”
Ilia Topuria Addresses Arman Tsarukyan Post-Fight at UFC 317
Despite Topuria and UFC President Dana White indicating Tsarukyan must secure another win to guarantee a title shot, the number one ranked contender was mentioned by Topuria during his post-fight interview.
Similar to Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, Tsarukyan was present cageside watching the Topuria vs. Oliveira bout.
Before engaging in a face-off with Paddy Pimblett, Topuria aimed remarks at Tsarukyan immediately after defeating Oliveira at UFC 317.
“There’s a certain individual,” Topuria remarked concerning Tsarukyan`s withdrawal from UFC 311, “who seems to develop a backache when it’s time to perform.”
He then issued a general challenge, stating, “Whoever is prepared to face me, I am here…”
Adding emphatically on the microphone, Topuria declared, “Let`s fight. If you are ready, I am ready.”
