The UFC`s lightweight division, already one of the most talent-stacked weight classes in mixed martial arts, just became significantly more contentious. Following Ilia Topuria`s decisive victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to claim the lightweight championship, the focus quickly shifted to who might be next to challenge the newly crowned king. While names like Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje are in the mix, it`s top contender Arman Tsarukyan who has wasted no time positioning himself, albeit with some pointed criticism.
The Gauntlet Thrown Down: Tsarukyan`s Analysis and Claim
Arman Tsarukyan, a fighter widely regarded as one of the division`s most formidable threats, offered a rather dismissive assessment of Topuria`s performance and overall skillset. Speaking shortly after UFC 317, Tsarukyan did not mince words, suggesting that Topuria`s path to victory against him would be severely limited. According to Tsarukyan, Topuria relies heavily on his striking, particularly boxing, and lacks the necessary tools to handle a grappling-heavy attack.
“I`ll just take him down, hold him and just maul him,” Tsarukyan declared confidently. He painted a picture of a fight where he would dominate on the ground, finishing Topuria and highlighting perceived weaknesses. “He`s not gonna be able to escape from me. He`s good at one thing, boxing!” This straightforward, almost blunt, critique set the stage for a response from the champion.
The Champion`s Retort: Topuria Strikes Back
Ilia Topuria, known for his quiet confidence that can quickly turn sharp when challenged, was quick to fire back at Tsarukyan`s comments. Topuria appeared less than impressed by Tsarukyan`s analysis and turned the critique back onto the contender himself, specifically referencing Tsarukyan`s own fight against Charles Oliveira.
In his rebuttal, Topuria questioned Tsarukyan`s assertion of ground superiority by pointing to instances where Oliveira, despite Tsarukyan`s efforts, was able to threaten submissions. “He`s a total jerk! Have you seen his fight against Charles Oliveira? How many times he was on the verge of submitting him and tapping him out?” Topuria retorted. His message was clear: Tsarukyan`s ground game, while strong, is not impervious, and Topuria has observed vulnerabilities. He concluded with a confident prediction of his own: “I can assure you, I`ll finish Arman Tsarukyan.”
Implications for the Lightweight Landscape
This verbal exchange injects significant intrigue into the lightweight title picture. Topuria is targeting a return by the end of the year for his first defense. While Pimblett and Gaethje remain potential opponents, Tsarukyan`s willingness to engage in public discourse and call out the champion positions him prominently, despite a recent setback. Tsarukyan was originally slated to challenge Islam Makhachev for the title at UFC 311 but was forced to withdraw due to a back injury, leaving his immediate future uncertain.
UFC CEO Dana White has remained non-committal regarding Topuria`s next opponent, a stance that fuels speculation and allows contenders like Tsarukyan to press their case publicly. The brewing tension between Topuria and Tsarukyan adds another layer of narrative to the division, potentially influencing matchmakers and fans alike.
A Brief Aside: The UFC 317 Weigh-In
Adding a minor footnote to the events surrounding Topuria`s title win was a moment of technical scrutiny at the UFC 317 ceremonial weigh-in. As Topuria stepped onto the scale, an initial reading indicated he was slightly over the championship limit. However, after a brief pause that likely caused a collective clench among fans and officials, the Nevada State Athletic Commission official confirmed he had successfully made weight. Former referee `Big` John McCarthy later weighed in, confirming the legitimacy of Topuria`s weight cut. While a fleeting moment, it served as a reminder of the razor-thin margins athletes navigate to compete at the highest level, a process Topuria has consistently managed throughout his UFC career.
With the champion and a top contender already trading barbs, the path forward in the lightweight division promises compelling matchups and plenty of drama. The verbal sparring between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan ensures that whenever they eventually meet, the foundation of a genuine rivalry will already be firmly in place.
