Dan Hooker Predicts Arman Tsarukyan Snub in Ilia Topuria Super Fight: “It’s a Win-Win”

UFC veteran Dan Hooker talks about the lightweight mess, including the champion Ilia Topuria's next title defense.

Dan Hooker Predicts Arman Tsarukyan Snub in Ilia Topuria Super Fight: “It’s a Win-Win”

Dan Hooker believes Ilia Topuria will fight Paddy Pimblett next instead of Arman Tsarukyan (via X)

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The ongoing drama in the UFC lightweight division is currently unfolding with massive intensity, keeping every fan on their toes. Everything started after Ilia Topuria captured the championship by defeating Charles Oliveira via a brutal KO at UFC 317. Now, top contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett are chasing the title shot, but the situation isn’t simple.

After winning the belt, Topuria had an intense face-off with Pimblett inside the octagon, raising excitement for his next fight. However, many fans and MMA experts believe Pimblett doesn’t deserve the opportunity, especially with Tsarukyan waiting in line. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, lightweight veteran Dan Hooker spoke about the situation and shared his honest opinion.

They might actually do Paddy [vs Ilia], which is an absolute piss take. But who cares, at the end of the day, he’s not gonna hold the belt for very long. Logically, he (Ilia) should be fighting Arman, but he won’t, as Arman is a really tough fighter. If you’re sitting with the title and getting paid the PPV points, and you’ve got to fight Arman, Gaethje, or Paddy, if you’re smart, you take Paddy. You’re gonna get the most money and the worst fighter. So it’s like a win-win situation for Ilia Topuria.

Dan Hooker via Sky Sports

Pimblett defeated former Bellator champion Michael Chandler, earning a spot in the title race despite Chandler’s ongoing losing streak. Tsarukyan mocked Pimblett’s sudden rise, saying he didn’t defeat any top-ranked contender to prove himself worthy of a title shot. However, Pimblett’s heated personal rivalry with Topuria has strengthened his position for a possible high-stakes title eliminator bout.

On the other hand, Tsarukyan is still facing consequences from UFC CEO Dana White for pulling out of the UFC 311 event. Pimblett vs. Topuria has a stronger pay-per-view appeal due to their ongoing beef and the Scouser’s massive support from the UK audience. It will be interesting to watch who the UFC chooses as the next challenger in this high-stakes lightweight division clash.

Ilia Topuria gets compared to former UFC heavyweight for allegedly ducking a top candidate

Ilia Topuria earned his reputation as a knockout specialist by finishing elite opponents like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway in style. His stunning knockout victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 elevated him to pound-for-pound number one in the UFC rankings. Despite his dominance, Topuria has refused to give Arman Tsarukyan a title shot, questioning his worthiness and recent decisions.

Who's next for Ilia Topuria
Who’s next for Ilia Topuria (via X)

In response, the Armenian contender has done everything possible, from online mockery to trash talk, trying to provoke Topuria publicly. However, Topuria ignoring a top contender like this seems similar to what Jon Jones did to Tom Aspinall earlier this year. In a recent YouTube video, former middleweight champion Michael Bisping talked about the same in detail. 

Is Ilia Topuria pulling a Jon Jones? Because Arman Tsarukyan is a real threat to anybody, he is a tremendous fighter. I know a lot of people discredit him for pulling out at the last minute, and rightly so, that’s not a good look. However, he’s a really, really good fighter, simple as that. He can do it all. He’s got the striking, the wrestling, the cardio, the strength. He’s very young, he’s in his prime. The man’s an absolute monster. 

Michael Bisping via his YouTube channel

In his debut UFC bout, Tsarukyan went toe-to-toe with Islam Makhachev and was the biggest threat to dethrone the Dagestani. After his fight with Oliveira, many experts have raised questions about the champion’s ability to defend takedowns. With his wrestling background, the Armenian definitely has the best chance to become the new champion.

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