"Arman Is Going To Be Pure Panic": Ilia Topuria Drops Bold Warning On Arman Tsarukyan's Wrestling

Arman Tsarukyan put on notice as Ilia Topuria predicts total meltdown.© NDTV Library

Ilia Topuria has predicted that Arman Tsarukyan would panic if the two ever meet inside the Octagon. The former lightweight champion made the comments while discussing his comeback and the division's unsettled title picture. Topuria, 29, has not fought since losing his lightweight title to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in June. He is targeting a return between April and June 2027 after recovering from a brutal stoppage loss. Topuria believes Tsarukyan's wrestling-heavy style would leave him vulnerable if the fight stays standing. He says he is ready to prove he is still the best lightweight in the world.

Topuria fires brutal warning at Tsarukyan

“Arman is going to be pure panic,” Ilia Topuria said in a recent interview with Diario ABC. “On the feet, trying to take you down. Like the Movsar fight with [Volkanovski], the same thing.” He added, “Arman doesn't stand out for his ground game.”

Topuria believes Tsarukyan's wrestling-heavy style will not be enough to survive his pressure. He compared the potential matchup to Volkanovski's stoppage of Evloev at UFC 333, where the champion broke down an unbeaten opponent over two rounds.

Tsarukyan is 24-3 and has won six straight fights. He stopped Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 in September and has been calling for a title shot since.

The Armenian has said the UFC told him he would receive an answer about his next fight by the end of November. He believes Gaethje may retire rather than defend the belt.

Topuria sees Pimblett as the bigger draw

Ilia Topuria's preferred opponent continues to be Justin Gaethje, who took the lightweight title from him in June. Topuria has called the defeat the worst day of his professional career and wants the chance to run it back.

Gaethje has rejected an immediate rematch, however. He has also ruled out a fight with Paddy Pimblett, leaving Tsarukyan as the most logical challenger if he stays active.

Topuria has said Gaethje would be a co-main event if the UFC booked a Topuria-Pimblett fight. He believes Pimblett is the bigger draw and wants the rivalry settled before pursuing another title shot.

Pimblett still has Topuria in his sights

Paddy Pimblett is another possible opponent for Topuria's return. The Liverpool fighter has a long-running rivalry with Topuria and has said he would “terrorise” him if they were matched.

Pimblett is 23-4 and has won seven of his last eight UFC fights. He rebounded from his loss to Gaethje by submitting Benoit Saint Denis in 52 seconds at UFC 329 in July.

Topuria has said he is considering a return from April onwards. If Gaethje retires, the UFC could book Topuria against Tsarukyan or Pimblett for the vacant lightweight title.