Arman Tsarukyan Boldly Claims Amateur Dagestani Fighter Could Finish Ilia Topuria

Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan believes that Ilia Topuria could not last long against the wrestling of young and amateur Caucasus fighters.

Arman Tsarukyan Boldly Claims Amateur Dagestani Fighter Could Finish Ilia Topuria

Arman Tsarukyan diminished Ilia Topuria (via MMA Fighting)

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The MMA world continues to witness heated exchanges between top contenders, and the latest comes from Arman Tsarukyan, who has aimed at current lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. The rising lightweight contender has gained a reputation for his outspoken views and willingness to call out fellow lightweights. His recent comments have sparked debate once again within the combat sports community.

Tsarukyan, one of the brightest talents in the UFC’s lightweight division, has built his career on relentless grappling, powerful pressure, and durability. Having shared the Octagon with elite names such as former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and veteran Beneil Dariush, he has proven himself as one of the most technically complete fighters at 155 pounds.

On the other hand, Topuria has become a breakout star, capturing the title in two divisions with devastating knockouts over Alexander Volkanovski and Charles Oliveira. The undefeated champion’s finishes makes him the UFC’s most marketable figure. However, Tsarukyan believes that the Spaniard’s skill will not fare well against fighters from the Caucasus region.

He picks up some random sparring partners, drops them, and everyone thinks he’s some supernatural fighter. If you bring him to Chechnya or Dagestan, to any gym, anywhere, even an amateur there would take him down and finish him.

Arman Tsarukyan via Aslanbek Badaev

Tsarukyan missed out on a title shot earlier at UFC 311 when he pulled out of his fight against Makhachev due to a back injury. However, he has kept himself active and vocal, emphasizing his wrestling and overall MMA skill set. He argues that those credentials merit a shot at Topuria’s belt. According to Tsarukyan, Topuria is somewhat reluctant when it comes to choosing his next opponent.

The rivalry has included escalating verbal challenges as Tsarukyan has offered wagers and accused the champion of avoiding him. He also claimed he would beat Topuria via wrestling or grappling dominance. Topuria, for his part, has responded in public comments that Tsarukyan must prove himself further, or that taking on the Armenian star doesn’t align with his following fight plans.

Whatever happens, the rivalry has already become one of the defining tensions in the lightweight division. With implications not just for who holds the belt, but also for how UFC structures its matchmaking and what styles get rewarded at the top. It remains to be seen how Ilia Topuria replies to Arman Tsarukyans comments.

Popular UFC lightweight weighs in on the potential Arman Tsarukyan vs Ilia Topuria fight

Tensions in the UFC’s lightweight division have extended beyond the Octagon, as fighters and analysts continue to weigh in on potential matchups and rivalries. Discussions around who could dominate 155-pound kingpin Ilia Topuria have been a central topic. While many have chosen Arman Tsarukyan due to his relentless grappling, Brazilian star Renato Moicano recently diminished the Armenian’s prowess.

Renato Moicano chooses Ilia Topuria to dominate Arman Tsarukyan
Renato Moicano chooses Ilia Topuria to dominate Arman Tsarukyan (via Bloody Elbow, SportsRush)

Moicano positioned Topuria as a skillful fighter whose striking and finishing ability would present a significant challenge for Tsarukyan. Moicano’s assessment reflects the broader recognition of Topuria’s skill set, including his knockout power and effective stand-up game, which have been key factors in his rapid rise within the UFC ranks.

I don’t think Arman Tsarukyan is as good as people think. I think Topuria would screw him. I have nothing against Arman, but Arman isn’t a guy I’d be friends with.

Renato Moicano via Laerte Viana MMA

While Arman Tsarukyan remains one of the lightweight division’s most technically skilled grapplers, Moicano’s comparison highlights the stylistic clash between his wrestling-heavy approach and Topuria’s striking-oriented strategy. Analysts note that such matchups often favor fighters who can impose their strengths effectively, and Ilia Topuria’s recent performances have underscored his ability to do just that.

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