Former champion's trainer picks fighter who can beat Ilia Topuria in UFC

Ilia Topuria is undefeated in MMA. Photo: Reproduction 'X'/Topuriailia

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After knocking out Charles of the Bronx and become the new lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg.) in UFC 317, Ilia Topuria has become the new leader of the pound-for-pound rankings and one of the most feared figures in all of MMA. In this context, even though the Georgian/Spanish fighter is virtually the favorite against most of the fighters in his division, for Tim Welch, Sean O'Malley's head coach, there is an athlete who can dethrone El Matador.

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For the coach, the next step for the most populous category in MMA should be a duel between Justin gaethje e Paddy Pimblett to define an opponent for Topuria. However, he believes that the toughest opponent for the Georgian/Spanish is probably Arman Tsarukyan.

“I think it would be the smart thing to do (Gaethje vs. Pimblett). But again, the UFC is taking a chance on Arman beating Ilia because that is a possibility. If anyone in the lightweight division is going to give him (Topuria) a real challenge, I think it’s Arman,” the coach said on Twitter. podcast'Red Hawk Recap‘, last week.

Sean O'Malley and Tim Welch. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @sugasean

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Tsarukyan and Topuria have been provoking each other in recent days

Fun fact of the day: @Topuriailia never fought anyone in their prime

Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) July 4, 2025

Despite Welch's opinion, Paddy Pimblett should be the first lightweight (up to 70,3 kg.) to challenge Ilia for the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg.). In view of this, the Armenian has been launching provocations against the champion through social media, in order to start a rivalry. It is worth mentioning that Tsarukyan has not competed since April 2024, when he won Charles of the Bronx by split decision in UFC 300. He was married to face Islam makhachev earlier this year, but was forced to withdraw from the fight with just two days' notice due to a back injury.

“I just need the fight and (I will) show everyone that I am a different fighter. He has never fought fighters like me, who know how to do it wrestling. Bryce mitchell is the worst fighter in the category and he took him down (Topuria) and held him on the ground. He couldn't escape for a minute. You can see that he is not of a high level”, said Arman in an interview with Daniel Cormier on YouTube last week.