⁩Islam Makhachev Gives Nod to Former Rival As Next Opponent for Ilia Topuria

Former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev talks about a potential 155lbs title fight between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan.

⁩Islam Makhachev Gives Nod to Former Rival As Next Opponent for Ilia Topuria

Islam Makhachev believes Arman Tsarukyan deserves to fight Ilia Topuria (via X)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

MMA fans know that Islam Makhachev vacated the lightweight title ahead of UFC 317, paving the way for a historic moment. During International Fight Week, Ilia Topuria delivered a stunning knockout of Charles Oliveira to become the first undefeated double champion in UFC history. His rise has shaken up the division, with top contenders now eyeing their chance to seize the coveted gold.

Leading that charge is Arman Tsarukyan, who was originally slated to challenge Makhachev for the title before fate intervened. At UFC 311, Tsarukyan was forced to withdraw at the last moment due to a severe back injury, abruptly canceling the highly anticipated bout. The setback didn’t come without consequences, as UFC CEO Dana White declared that Tsarukyan would need to re-earn his shot at the belt.

Since then, the Armenian contender has tried various mind games, taking on elite opponents in grappling contests outside the Octagon and campaigning hard for a matchup with the reigning champion. Recently, when former titleholder Makhachev was asked about the prospect of Tsarukyan facing Topuria, he shared an intriguing take on the potential clash in a video posted on Ushtayaka’s YouTube channel.

If you look at historically. Somebody who spots the championship fight and makes the weight, he usually gets the title fight. Everybody said that he had problem cutting weight but he proved that he can go all the way down to the championship weight and he deserves the shot. I think [Arman] should be next. He proved himself… I think if Arman goes out with the right attitude, he can get it done.

Islam Makhachev via Eagle FC press conference 

At UFC 317, when Topuria battled Oliveira for the vacant lightweight gold, Tsarukyan successfully weighed in as backup. However, the newly crowned champion mocked Tsarukyan, claiming nobody cares about him after withdrawing from his previous golden opportunity. Topuria later stated he would never fight the Armenian contender, even suggesting he would relinquish his title rather than accept.

This sparked accusations from fans, claiming Topuria was avoiding the division’s toughest challenge due to Tsarukyan’s dominant wrestling pedigree. Many compared ‘El Matador’ to Jon Jones, who faced similar criticism for allegedly ducking Tom Aspinall for months before his retirement. Meanwhile, Topuira expressed interest in fighting longtime rival Paddy Pimblett for its pay-per-view appeal, though analysts called it the easier option.

Rejected by Ilia Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan gets his next opponent.

Despite making weight at UFC 317, Dana White refused to recognize Arman Tsarukyan as the top contender for the lightweight title. Since then, Tsarukyan has stayed active on social media, mocking Ilia Topuria and provoking him relentlessly to secure a fight. He even questioned Topuria’s wrestling skills and offered a $500,000 wager, but none of his bold tactics succeeded.

Arman Tsarukyan gets a callout from Dan Hooker
Arman Tsarukyan gets a callout from Dan Hooker (via X)

Tsarukyan has repeatedly clashed with Paddy Pimblett, getting accused of enjoying an easy rise thanks to a “golden spoon.” He responded by claiming Pimblett benefits from so-called “Dana White privilege,” implying favoritism has propelled the UK native’s career. 

These accusations have significantly intensified tensions between the two fighters, creating a rivalry that fans are eager to see unfold. Apart from all these, there is one more rivalry that has been brewing between Tsarukyan and UFC veteran Dan Hooker. In a recent interview, the Kiwi shared his intentions to fight the Armenian later this year on the November MSG card. 

I’m clear to fight in November. I want that Arman(fight). I think he’s a scumbag, monobrow looser and I will knee him right in his face. There’s not a single other fighter ranked between me and him that even wants that fight. He’s the number one contender, no one’s gives a flying fu** about. 

Dan Hooker via The Rock

Hooker also addressed rumors of ducking former champion Oliveira for UFC Rio, clarifying he was not medically cleared to compete. He revealed his interest in the November card, the same event also slated to feature Islam Makhachev versus Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight gold. This blockbuster event is expected to happen at the iconic Madison Square Garden, generating massive hype among UFC fans worldwide.

Also read: