New challenges are waiting for Ilia Topuria in the UFC Lightweight Division.
It was a fast night in the office for the undefeated superstar of Spain, Ilia Topuria, when he conquered the empty lightweight title of Charles Oliveira on UFC 317.
Topuria only needed a few minutes to eliminate Oliveira with Power shots, giving him a second belt after giving up the featherweight title earlier this year.
Now 17-0, many have to wonder who will be able to stop the seemingly unbeatable Topuria, which has not shown really weaknesses on the ground or on the feet lately.
Former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev had long thought that he was Topuria's most difficult test on 155 pounds, but that fight is now out of sight with Makhachev to the Welterweight Division where he has his own ambitions to become a two -division world champion.
From the best light weights in the world, the old coach of Makhacheve has selected one as a title threat for Topuria.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC
Javier Mendez says that Arman Tsarukyan Ilia Topuria may give 'the most problems'
A legendary coach of both Makhachev and the unbeaten Khabib Nurmagomedov, Javier Mendez thinks that #1 Competier Arman Tsarukyan would give the new champion Topuria his most difficult fight.
Tsarukyan has been 9-1 in the UFC since he lost to Makhachev in his promotion debut. The 28-year-old comes back-to-back victories over former Camp Oliveira and top candidate-Benes Dariush.
Tsarukyan apparently has a certain look in his eyes, 'hungry' for the UFC title after he has to withdraw from his Rematch against Makhachev on UFC 311 due to a back injury the day before.
“I may see Justin Gaethje giving [Topuria] Some problems, “Mendez started on Submission Radio.
“Tsarukyan would be the one who in my opinion could give him the most problems because Arman will not stand with them,” Mendez continued.
“Arman is going to turn it into a wrestling war.
“So it's an exhaustion war. Can Ilia survive the constant land attack that Arman is going to put him? That would be the test. Can he do that? Don't know …
“Maybe he can,” said Mendez about Topuria.
“Look what he did Charles. Charles came in for the Takedown, he switched it in the air on him. That was very impressive.
Ilia Topuria sent Arman Tsarukyan a message on UFC 317
While Topuria and UFC boss Dana White have made it clear that Tsarukyan has to win again for title conflicts, the #1 competition was referred to the interview after Topuria's fight.
Just like Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett were Tsarukyan Cageide for Topuria vs. Oliveira.
Before entertaining a face-off with Pimblett, Topuria made shots at Tsarukyan after he put Oliveira away on UFC 317.
“There is a man when it comes to delivering, his back hurts,” Topuria said about the withdrawal of Tsarukyan from UFC 311.
'Who is ready for me, I am here …
“Let's f – fight. When you're done, I'm here,” Topuria said on the microphone.