Ilia Topuria e Arman Tsarukyan are featured in the UFC. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS Montage
Ilia Topuria is interested in facing Arman Tsarukyan In the UFC octagon, at least that's what his coach, Javi Climent, assures. Since winning the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg), the Georgian-born Spaniard has seen a line of potential challengers forming, with the Armenian emerging as the main name in the title race. Despite the favorable scenario, the fight has not yet materialized and, according to the coach, the responsibility lies with the organization itself.
In an interview with journalist Álvaro Colmenero, Climent indicated that Tsarukyan has been putting pressure behind the scenes to make the fight happen, but has also accumulated friction in his relationship with the UFC. According to the coach, Arman is 'paying' for wrong decisions alongside the company, while gradually trying to regain ground in the division. Even so, the coach acknowledges that Topuria welcomes the possibility of testing its strength against the challenger.
“He’s a guy who’s been pushing hard to fight us, but he’s made several mistakes with the company, and Dana is making him pay for it. He’s slowly earning his place, and it’s a fight that sounds good and we’re not ruling it out; in fact, we’d like to face him,” said Javi Climent.
See too
Despite liking the matchup, Climent also questioned Tsarukyan's ability to compete on equal terms with the champion. In the coach's assessment, Topuria would have an advantage not only technically, but also psychologically, especially given the expectation of a fight involving takedown attempts by the Armenian. For him, the context of MMA, with its constant striking and physical imposition, would be decisive in exposing a difference in skill level between the athletes.
“I don’t see him capable of facing us. Ilia would really wear him down mentally. He’ll try to take him down, but he won’t succeed; his mind won’t respond well. This is MMA, not wrestling. Here, you get beaten up. Arman isn’t on Ilia’s level,” the coach concluded.
Arman Tsarukyan forgotten by UFC
Arman Tsarukyan He is ranked first in the lightweight rankings. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Even though she holds the top position in the lightweight rankings (up to 70,3 kg), Arman Tsarukyan He has not yet had the opportunity to compete for the UFC belt. When he was finally scheduled to fight for the title at UFC 311The Armenian fighter ended up injuring his back the day before the fight and had to be removed from the card, being replaced by... Renato Moicano.
As if that weren't enough, Tsarukyan was subsequently placed only as a reserve in the fight between Charles of the Bronx e Ilia Topuria, valid for the vacant belt in UFC 317Already in the running for the interim lightweight title in UFC 324The athlete wasn't even considered by the organization, which opted for... Paddy Pimblett e Justin gaethje.
After seeing the American to beat Briton and win the interim belt, everything indicates that Arman Tsarukyan He watched, once again, a lightweight title fight without his name involved. Because... Justin gaethje e Ilia Topuria They are lined up for a title unification showdown.
You need login To comment.