UFC 325 Star Dan Hooker Worries for UFC Fans as Dana White’s Neglect Delays Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan

UFC 325 star Dan Hooker talks about how snubbing Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan for extended periods of time could prove costly for the UFC.

UFC 325 Star Dan Hooker Worries for UFC Fans as Dana White’s Neglect Delays Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan

Dan Hooker talks about why Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan needs to be made immediately (via MMA Mania, Sportaran)

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Ever since Ilia Topuria won the championship at UFC 317, speculation has grown over who could be his first title defense. Arman Tsarukyan has consistently emerged as one of the leading names linked to the potential bout. However, scheduling conflicts and ongoing matchmaking talks have prevented the fight from being made. Dan Hooker recently explained why delaying the matchup could be a costly mistake.

Topuria and Tsarukyan have developed a heated rivalry despite never sharing the octagon. The tension has largely played out on social media, where both fighters remain active in exchanges aimed at one another. Tsarukyan has positioned himself as a willing opponent while questioning Topuria’s matchup choices. Those public callouts have fueled speculation that the rivalry could translate into a superfight.

Hooker recently faced Tsarukyan in what marked the Armenian contender’s return to the Octagon since April 2024. The bout ended in the second round, with Tsarukyan securing a triangle choke submission victory. As Hooker now prepares to face Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 325, his perspective carries added relevance. That recent experience set the context for why he addressed the stalled Topuria matchup.

I don’t know why we aren’t seeing Ilia vs Arman. The sport is all about timing and momentum. Arman is in his physical peak, Ilia is in his physical peak. If you sit around and wait long enough, one day Ilia will not have that momentum. Guys can get clipped. Someone asked me, ‘How do you beat Ilia Topuria right now?’ I said, ‘Father Time.’

Dan Hooker via UFC 325 media day

Tsarukyan held the No. 1 contender spot for an extended period without a title shot. His position weakened following behavioral issues that drew attention from the promotion. The trouble began when he struck a fan during his walkout at UFC 300 and escalated after withdrawing from a title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. Most recently, Tsarukyan headbutted Hooker during UFC Qatar weigh-ins.

Those incidents left a negative impression on UFC CEO Dana White regarding Tsarukyan’s reliability. White later confirmed that the lightweight was required to rebuild trust after the UFC 300 and UFC 311 situations. The repeated issues affected his standing in the title picture. Most recently, White stated that the UFC Qatar incident led to the Armenian star being passed over for the interim title fight at UFC 324.

Justin Gaethje’s interim title win at UFC 324 further shifted the divisional landscape at the top. That result, once again, sidelined Tsarukyan from a direct path to a fight with Ilia Topuria. With 155-pound opportunities narrowing, Arman Tsarukyan has begun considering a move to the featherweight division. Hooker’s comments align with that uncertainty, underscoring how delayed matchmaking can alter momentum.

Arman Tsarukyan takes a cheeky dig at Ilia Topuria’s recent legal troubles

Ilia Topuria has recently faced legal issues following his separation from his partner, Giorgina Uzcategui. The lightweight champion has been accused of domestic violence and abuse by his ex-wife, prompting investigations. As a result of the ongoing legal proceedings, Topuria is expected to remain sidelined from competition until at least mid-2026. This hiatus has created uncertainty around his first title defense.

Arman Tsarukyan challenges Ilia Topuria to go ahead and vacate
Arman Tsarukyan challenges Ilia Topuria to go ahead and vacate (via X)

Arman Tsarukyan maintains an active presence on social media, frequently using it to call out ‘El Matador’ whenever possible. He has continued to keep the rivalry in the public eye through posts and interactions. Now that Topuria is reportedly selling his Madrid mansion, estimated at $3.5 million, the Armenian star publicly stated that he would buy the property if Topuria agreed to fight him next.

I’ll buy your house if you agree to fight me next.

Arman Tsarukyan via X
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Arman Tsarukyan is known to have strong financial backing from his father’s construction business. While his comment about buying Topuria’s Madrid mansion was made in jest, there is little doubt that he could afford the property if he chose to. This financial security reinforces his position as one of the UFC’s top contenders and allows him to remain focused on his career without external pressures.

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