Rival assesses the impact of Topuria's loss at UFC Casa Branca and points to a flaw in the former champion's preparation.

Topuria and Tsarukyan face off tensely, promoting a fight in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

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A defeat all with Justin gaethje No. UFC White House The news continues to resonate among the top names in the lightweight division (up to 70,3kg). One of the first in the category to analyze the setback of Ilia Topuria was Arman Tsarukyan, which pointed to overconfidence and lack of focus from the former champion as determining factors for the result last Sunday (14), in Washington DC

The statements gained prominence because Tsarukyan and Topuria have been exchanging intense taunts in recent months. The two were even mentioned as potential rivals for the division's title, a scenario that makes the Armenian's assessment even more relevant after the change at the top of the division.

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“I think this defeat will teach him many lessons. Not to be arrogant and to respect his opponent. I think he was more focused on his media appearances than on training,” the Armenian declared in an interview with Ariel Helwani's YouTube channel.

Ilia's rival and one of the top names in the lightweight division, Tsarukyan suggested that the former champion may have underestimated the challenge presented by Gaethje. Before the fight, the then-title holder arrived at the event riding a wave of impressive victories over... Charles of the Bronx, Max Holloway e Alexander VolkanovskyIn addition to gaining notoriety for the confidence he demonstrated in interviews and the bold predictions he made before his fights.

However, on the other side was an experienced opponent, known for his resilience, aggressiveness, and knockout power. Throughout the fight, the American managed to neutralize the then-champion's main weapons and impose his rhythm on his feet, accumulating an advantage as the rounds progressed. The outcome came in the fourth round, when the corner of the former belt holder opted to stop the fight due to the accumulated fatigue of the athlete.

UFC White House Results

MAIN CARD – starting at 21 PM (Brasilia time)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg):   Justin gaethje derrotou Ilia Topuria By knockout (corner stoppage) end of round 4 – Championship fight

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Cyryl Gane derrotou Alex Poatán By knockout (left cross) at 1:17 of round 2 – Interim title fight

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Sean O'Malley derrotou Aiemann Zahabi by knockout (right straight) at 4:01 of round 2

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Josh Hokit derrotou Derrick Lewis by knockout (punches) at 4m08s of R2

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Mauricio Ruffy derrotou Michael chandler by knockout (punches) at 4m29s of R1

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): BoNickal derrotou Kyle Daukaus by knockout (elbows) at 4:34 of round 1

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Diego lopes derrotou Steve Garcia by knockout (punches) at 2m42s of R2