Arman Tsarukyan is stuck in limbo in the UFC lightweight title picture, despite being a top contender, due to past issues and UFC’s decision-making, while Daniel Cormier believes he is a significant challenge for champion Ilia Topuria.
Arman Tsarukyan finds himself in a tricky spot in the UFC lightweight scene. With Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett set to clash for an interim title, and champion Ilia Topuria dealing with personal issues, Tsarukyan is left waiting.
Gaethje and Pimblett will face off at UFC 324, and the winner is expected to welcome Topuria back. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan, the No. 1 contender, remains in limbo, unsure when his title shot might come. Yet, Daniel Cormier believes Tsarukyan is the real challenge for Topuria, a fight that must happen to crown the best 155-pounder.
Cormier told Red Corner MMA, “This guy might just be the best lightweight in the world.” He praised Tsarukyan’s strength and skill, noting that both he and Topuria are top contenders. “They need to fight at some point,” he insisted.
Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje are great, no doubt. But Arman and Ilia have something special, a potential rivalry that could be legendary. Tsarukyan’s performance against Dan Hooker? Stellar.
Tsarukyan’s on a five-fight win streak, defeating names like Dan Hooker, Charles Oliveira, and Beneil Dariush. Despite this, he remains sidelined after a missed opportunity to fight Islam Makhachev due to injury.
Dana White expressed disappointment after Tsarukyan’s injury led to a last-minute main event change. He stated Tsarukyan must work his way back to contention.
Tsarukyan returned in November, dispatching Hooker in two rounds. Yet, White insists he needs more wins before a title shot is considered.
Cormier finds this puzzling. Tsarukyan hasn’t publicly challenged the UFC’s decision, suggesting there’s more to the story. “I don’t know why Arman’s not fighting for a title. I really don’t,” Cormier said.
He speculated that private conversations may be keeping Tsarukyan content. “They’re telling him something that’s making him OK with it, right?” Cormier mused. Until then, the situation remains a mystery.