Arman Tsarukyan has no doubt that Ilia Topuria is avoiding facing him for the UFC belt. In recent days, the lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) stated that he intends to defend his title against Paddy Pimblett or move up a weight class to challenge Islam Makhachev for his third belt, a statement that did not please the Armenian.
See too
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tsarukyan suggested that the Spaniard was doing everything he could to avoid a direct confrontation, reinforcing the suspicion that the champion intends to postpone the duel between the two.
"Could it get any more obvious that el pato is doing everything in his power to avoid fighting me?", Tsarukyan wrote.
Could it be any more obvious that el duck is doing everything in his power to avoid fighting me? https://t.co/200p7ahsLX
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) November 25, 2025
Who should be Ilia Topuria's first challenger in the lightweight division?
Ilia Topuria poses with two UFC belts after her victory against Charles Oliveira . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.
After Ilia Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 and won the lightweight title, three names stand out as the main candidates for the challenger spot: Paddy Pimblett , Justin Gaethje , and Arman Tsarukyan , each with solid arguments to claim the position.
Paddy Pimblett , Topuria's declared rival, took the lead by stepping into the octagon at UFC 317 for a direct face-off with the new champion. Undefeated in the UFC and possessing enormous popular appeal, the Briton emerges as one of the strongest options to challenge for the title.
Another name being considered is Justin Gaethje . The American has already had two chances to fight for the belt, but was defeated by Charles Oliveira and Khabib Nurmagomedov . Despite this, he has the influence of his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, and his good victory over Rafael Fiziev in his last fight.
Finally, Arman Tsarukyan emerges as a legitimate alternative. Currently ranked number 1, the Armenian saw his title shot slip away when he was forced to withdraw from his fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 after suffering a back injury the day before the fight. Recovered, he returned to the octagon and easily dominated Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, reinforcing his arguments for the opportunity.
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
You need to log in to comment.