Arman Tsarukyan is determined to claim the UFC lightweight title, despite challenges such as his past injuries, Ilia Topuria‘s reluctance to fight him, and competition from other contenders like Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje.
Arman Tsarukyan has his sights set on the UFC lightweight title, whether or not Ilia Topuria stands in his way.
Six months ago, Tsarukyan was ready to face then-champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. A back injury, however, forced him out just a day before the fight. Since then, Makhachev vacated the title, moving up to welterweight. Topuria snatched the vacant belt by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. Now, Tsarukyan’s next move is uncertain.
Topuria, during a live stream with the Nelk Boys, declared he’d “never give [Tsarukyan] a chance.” He even suggested the UFC should “take my belt” if Tsarukyan doesn’t fight again to earn his contender spot, questioning Tsarukyan’s reliability.
Tsarukyan hit back on Twitter, saying, “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.”
The situation is tricky. Paddy Pimblett seems poised to challenge for the lightweight title due to his rivalry with Topuria. Meanwhile, veteran Justin Gaethje argues he deserves another shot. UFC CEO Dana White previously mentioned Tsarukyan would need to “fight his way back” after the Makhachev fallout.
In his 11 UFC fights, Tsarukyan has only lost twice—once to Makhachev in 2019 and in a Fight of the Night against Mateusz Gamrot in 2022. He’s beaten names like Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, and Damir Ismagulov. Yet, it’s unclear who he needs to defeat next to regain the matchmakers’ confidence.