Tsarukyan fires back at Topuria after champion threatens to never give him a title shot

Arman Tsarukyan dropped out of the title fight in UFC 311 due to injury. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Current first place in the lightweight rankings (up to 70,3 kg), Arman Tsarukyan had his plans to fight for the belt frustrated after getting injured on the eve of the UFC 311, when I would face Islam makhachev. Punished by Dana White, the athlete understood that he would need one more victory before he had a new opportunity to try to become champion.

Amidst all the delay in getting the next fight, the Armenian ended up watching Ilia Topuria become the new holder of the lightweight throne after Islam makhachev move to welterweight (up to 77,1 kg). On that occasion, the Spanish-Georgian knocked out Charles of the Bronx and had his belt buckled by Dana White.

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Determined to be selective in his reign, Topuria sent a harsh message to Tsarukyan, assuring him that, if it were up to him, his rival would never have the opportunity to face him for the weight class title. Upon hearing the statement, the top-ranked fighter dismissed the situation and assured that he would become champion regardless of the Spaniard's choices and decisions.

"Imagine calling yourself a champion, but already looking for a way out. You can either give up the title or I'll take it. Either way, it's mine," Tsarukyan declared on his official X account.

Ilia Topuria poses with two UFC belts after victory against Charles of the Bronx. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

With both of them without scheduled fights, the expectation, according to Topuria, is that his next opponent will be Justin gaethje ou Paddy PimblettThe fighter has expressed interest in competing later this year. Tsarukyan, on the other hand, has avoided giving any clues about his future, focusing solely on a fight against the Spanish-Georgian.

Imagine calling yourself a champion, but you're already looking for a way out. You can vacate it, or I'll take it. Either way, it's mine. https://t.co/37ioTAt2vk

— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) July 24, 2025