Arman Tsarukyan believes reigning UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria must move up to welterweight after his next fight.
Topuria will lock horns with current and two-time interim lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje on June 14. After the title unification bout, which “El Matador” believes he will win by Round 1 knockout, he plans to defend his strap against top contender Tsarukyan next.
For now, the Armenian is the official backup for the Topuria vs. Gaethje bout, but will not be in Washington for the UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins, as he’s booked to face Tony Ferguson at RAF 10 on July 13. However, if something happens to either of the White House main event fighters, Tsarukyan will step in right away.
Arman Tsarukyan suggests “El Matador” should move up to 170-pounds and avoid him
During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Arman Tsarukyan opined that after June 14, if the promotion allows Ilia Topuria to move up to 170-pounds, he should happily seek the move.
The Armenian believes Topuria is better off taking a shot at three-division history against Islam Makhachev than risking his lightweight title against “Ahalkalakets.” He quipped:
“If UFC lets him move up, he’s gonna move up. It’s better to fight with Islam than with me. Because it’s a third title, big money, and if he loses to Islam, it’s ok because he moves up a weight class and loses to the pound-for-pound king. But if he loses to me at 155 [pounds], he’s going to be gone.”
Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s comments below:
Arman Tsarukyan also confirmed in a now-viral clip that his next bout will be a championship fight scheduled for September in Las Vegas. The 29-year-old also added that he could run it back with newly minted BMF titleholder Charles Oliveira.
“My next fight is a title fight, which is probably in September in LA… I may fight him [Charles Oliveira] again.”
Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s comments below:
