Topuria snubs Tsarukyan's skills and rival raises his threat before UFC 317

Arman Tsarukyan (left) defeated Charles of the Bronx (dir.) in UFC 300. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @UFCNews

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Determined to continue with a provocative and confident stance in his new weight class, Ilia Topuria shows that he does not mind maintaining a cordial atmosphere with potential adversaries. In preparation for the UFC 317, which takes place this Saturday (28), the Spanish-Georgian sharpens his weapons to face Charles of the Bronx, but aware that, if the Brazilian is forced to leave the fight, the replacement will be Arman Tsarykuan.

Despite his specialty in knocking out and injuring opponents in stand-up fighting, the former champion also sees no problem in facing fighters who seek out Wrestling and jiu-jitsu.

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Ilia Topuria He is a former UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC

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During an interview about the UFC 317, Topuria was asked about what he thinks about a possible duel against Tsarukyan and ended up not hesitating in quickly answering about how he sees victory over the Armenian.

“With me, (Arman) has no chance. First round, first minute of the fight, what is he going to do? He’s going for takedowns. Brother, what’s up,” Topuria said in an interview with New York Post Sports.

Keeping an eye on the situation, Tsarukyan was quick to speak out about the provocation he received and increased the stakes by suggesting that the athlete pray that Charles does not leave the fight in UFC 317.

Charles of the Bronx will face Ilia Topuria No. UFC 317. (Photo: Montage/SUPER FIGHTS)

“You better pray nothing happens to Charles because I’m the worst possible match for you in the division. There’s a reason you’re fighting the guy I’ve already beaten and I’m not fighting for that belt,” Tsarukyan wrote on his official X account.

Scheduled to be a replacement fighter in UFC 317, if Topuria or Do Bronx are prevented from fighting, Tsarukyan will be present at the official weigh-in this Friday (27) to formalize his position in the event. So far there are no rumors about the possible departure of the protagonists from the event. The fight takes place on Saturday (28), in Las Vegas (USA).

You better pray nothing happens to Charles, because I'm the worst possible matchup for you in this division. There's a reason you're fighting the guy I already beat, and not me, for that belt. https://t.co/qXS0lImDya

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