M. Bisping on his 'YouTube' channel. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
Michael Bisping touched on the sore spot and expressed his desire to see Arman Tsarukyan challenge Ilia Topuria for the lightweight title (up to 70,3kg) , comparing the Spaniard to former heavyweight champion Jon Jones . The reference is to the fact that the UFC's most prestigious division has been stagnant lately without 'Bones' accepting a fight with Tom Aspinall.
“Is Ilia Topuria pulling a Jon Jones ? Because Arman Tsarukyan is a real threat to anyone. He’s a tremendous fighter. I know a lot of people underestimate him for giving up at the last minute, and rightly so, that’s not a good image. However, he’s a very, very good fighter, plain and simple. He can do anything,” said Michael Bisping on his YouTube channel.
The former UFC champion compared the fighters' styles and pointed out the advantages of the Russian over the current champion, who won the belt against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
“He has the striking, the wrestling, the cardio, the strength. He’s very young, he’s at his peak. The guy is a monster. Ilia Topuria said that if the UFC made him fight Arman Tsarukyan , he would lose the belt,” Bisping stated.
Ilia Topuria minimizes chances of facing Arman Tsarukyan
Ilia Topuria and Charles do Bronx exchange barbs. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage
The UFC lightweight champion insists he will not give Arman Tsarukyan a title shot . Ilia Topuria has once again slammed the door in the Russian's face.
“Look, when you put so much effort into the game and you have a guy in front of you who you don’t know if he can get out of the fight, that’s not good for us. It’s not like, ‘Oh, my back!’, man, I don’t care at all,” said Ilia Topuria in an interview with the 'Nelk Boys'.
Ilia Topuria raised her voice and even said that she would rather vacate the belt than fight Arman Tsarukyan.
"They're going to give him a fight before the title fight because there's no way around it. I'm the world champion, I'll never give him a chance to fight for the title. I'll be like, look, if that's the case, take my belt. I'm not doing that," Topuria said.
Arman Tsarukyan responds to Ilia Topuria
The response was not long in coming. Tsarukyan took to social media and, via 'X' (formerly Twitter), questioned the champion's mindset in making such statements.
“Imagine calling yourself a champion, but already looking for a way out. You can vacate it, or I’ll take it. Either way, it’s mine,” wrote Arman Tsarukyan.
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