According to the trainer of Sean O'Malley, there is a man who might avoid Ilia Topuria if he wants to guarantee a successful title defense next time.
Topuria became the newest second division champion on MMA's largest stage during the International Fight Week, when he ruled a short but emphatic featherweight with lightweight glory.
To achieve that performance, Topuria Charles Oliveira switched off on UFC 317. And the Spaniard quickly set up its potential next fight, while Topuria was confronted with Paddy Pimblett prior to what a heated wreck competition would be.
But if that is the first obstacle for 'El Matador' as the king of 155 pounds, a prominent coach does not think that Topuria will get the biggest threat to his lightweight rule.
The coach of Sean O'Malley says that Arman Tsarukyan has the best chance of destroying Ilia Topuria
During a recent episode of his Red Hawk Recap Podcast, Tim Welch gave his assessment of the current title photo on 155 pounds.
The coach of the former UFC Bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley acknowledged that an eliminator between Pimblett and Justin Gaethje while Arman Tsarukyan Topuria would be the most logical.
But Welch is not sure whether the UFC would book things in this way, given the risk that 'El Matador' will lose before they can cash in the Pimblett -Wrok competition.
“I think it's smart to do (Gaethje vs. Pimblett),” said Welch. “But again, (then) the UFC risks Arman who beat Ilia, because that is a possibility.
“If someone in the lightweight (division) will be able to give him (Topuria) a real attempt, I have the feeling that it is Arman.”
Arman Tsarukyan believes that he would easily surpass Ilia Topuria
Tsarukyan believes that he would not only have the best chance, but would certainly put an end to the unbeaten run of Topuria in MMA.
During an interview on the YouTube channel of Daniel Cormier after the UFC 317-Braing of his rival, the Russian-Armens revealed why he is so certain that he would comfortably surpass the new champion.
“I just need the fight and (I will) show everyone that I am another hunter,” Tsarukyan said. “I have improved so much.
“I looked at his first fight and he was struggling a bit and he got so much tired. And he never fought with wrestlers like me, who knows as freestyle struggles.
“Bryce Mitchell, he is the worst hunter in the 145 (division). He took him (Topuria) and held him,” Topuria added. “Even he took him down and he could not escape like a minute.
“I can see that it is not high.”