Ilia Topuria comes to the defense of Paddy Pimblett and attacks Arman Tsarukyan: 'I would fight without an arm'

Ilia Topuria faces off with Paddy Pimblett at UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

While Arman Tsarukyan publicly opposes the duel between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett, El Matador doesn't seem to see many differences between a confrontation with the Armenian and the Englishman. In fact, the lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg.) sees an easier path to victory precisely against the current number one in the category ranking.

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The Georgian/Spanish fighter recalled Tsarukyan's withdrawal from the title fight against Islam Makhachev earlier this year. The two were scheduled to face off for the belt in the main event of UFC 311, but the Armenian had to withdraw a day before the weigh-in after suffering a back injury.

“He’s a lot easier than Paddy… Imagine having the opportunity to fight for the world title and when the day comes you pull out because your back hurts… I would have fought without an arm. I don’t care.”

Ilia Topuria says Arman Tsarukyan is an easier fight for him than Paddy Pimblett

“He's much easier than Paddy… Imagine having the opportunity to fight for the world title, and when the day comes, you pull out because your back hurts…

I would've fought without an arm. I… pic.twitter.com/JqcFD7HGHo

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 4, 2025

Topuria is going through an impressive phase in the UFC

Ilia Topuria knocked out Charles do Bronx in the first round. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

At just 28 years old, El Matador is on one of the best winning streaks in the organization's history. He knocked out Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira consecutively, in addition to capturing the featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) and lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) titles in the process. To crown his good run, the Georgian/Spanish fighter was elevated to the number one position in the UFC's pound-for-pound rankings, dethroning Islam Makhachev.