“What’s this hypocrisy?” Reports of Ilia Topuria rejecting Arman Tsarukyan fight leaves fans upset

UFC superstar Ilia Topuria has rejected UFC's offer to fight top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan after his recent move up.

“What’s this hypocrisy?” Reports of Ilia Topuria rejecting Arman Tsarukyan fight leaves fans upset

Ilia Topuria won't fight Arman Tsarukyan next (via Imago)

Ilia Topuria‘s last outing was at UFC 308, where he shocked the world by knocking out the legendary Max Holloway. The featherweight king was expected to defend his belt again but ended up vacating the title. The fighter then decided to move up to lightweight and was recently linked with top contender Arman Tsarukyan. 

Tsarukyan was scheduled to fight the lightweight champion at UFC 311 but had to pull out due to an injury. Recent reports suggested that the UFC offered Topuria to fight the Armenian in order to earn his title shot. However, as it turns out, the Georgian-Spanish only wants to fight for the belt and nothing else. 

Ilia wants a championship fight. He will not fight for the status of a contender with Tsarukyan or anyone else

Quotes via Red Corner MMA 

As per CEO Dana White, Topuria left the division due to complications in making the featherweight limit. After that, speculations ran high, and fans thought that the fighter might fight the likes of Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, etc., to earn his spot. Tsarukyan was also in the mix given his current position in the lightweight division. 

FS Video

Irrespective of height and size disadvantage, many fans believe that Ilia Topuria is a real threat in the lightweight division. ‘El Matador’ is a sniper and has the ability to knock out anybody at any time. However, the current situation has left fans in limbo about the future of the lightweight division.

Fight fans react to Ilia Topuria denying to fight Arman Tsarukyan 

The champion Islam Makhachev last fought at UFC 311 and will most probably come back in during International Fight Week. The Dagestani has always been open to fighting anybody that the UFC has thrown at him. Though he wanted Ilia Topuria to earn his title shot, he probably won’t deny the challenge. 

Ilia Topuria’s knockout power
Ilia Topuria’s knockout power (via X)

Topuria and Makhachev already have a brewing rivalry, with the former promising to get a knockout finish. However, for now, fans are confused about his decision to not fight Tsarukyan, and here are some reactions.

As expected, fight fans shared a mixed opinion on Topuria’s decision not to fight Tsarukyan. Many find it absurd for the former featherweight king to not take the challenge after all that trash talk. Others made it obvious that UFC should just make Topuria fight Makhachev next.