Arman Tsarukyan wants the UFC lightweight title, whether that means beating Ilia Topuria or not.
It’s been six months since Tsarukyan was scheduled to challenge then-champion Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound title at UFC 311, where a back injury forced Tsarukyan out of the main event a day before fight night. Much has changed since then, with Makhachev vacating the title to move up to welterweight, Topuria claiming that vacant title by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, and Tsarukyan’s next matchup still in limbo.
Topuria recently appeared on a live stream with the Nelk Boys in which he said he would “never give [Tsarukyan] a chance.” He added that the UFC should “take my belt” if Tsarukyan doesn’t fight again to earn the No. 1 contender spot first, citing concerns about whether Tsarukyan can be trusted to show up for their fight.
Tsarukyan responded to the comment on Twitter, writing, “Imagine calling yourself a champion, but you’re already looking for a way out. You can vacate it or I’ll take it. Either way, it’s mine.”
Tsarukyan finds himself in a tough spot with Paddy Pimblett seemingly being positioned to challenge for the lightweight title next due to his personal rivalry with Topuria, and veteran Justin Gaethje arguing he’s done enough to earn another shot at the belt. Making matters worse, UFC CEO Dana White previously said Tsarukyan “will have to fight his way back” to a title shot after falling out of the Makhachev fight.
In 11 UFC appearances, Tsarukyan has only lost twice: in his octagon debut to Makhachev in 2019 and in a Fight of the Night performance against Mateusz Gamrot in 2022. He holds wins over Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, Damir Ismagulov, Joel Alvarez, Olivier Aubin-Mercier, among others, but it’s unclear what names he needs to add to that list to regain the matchmakers’ confidence.
