Top lightweight competition Arman Tsarukyan responded to the latest dismissal of Ilia Topuria of a potential title conflict.
Since Ilia Topuria Charles Oliveira turned off to win the empty UFC light weight belt on UFC 317, the next title fight of the division remains a mystery. Topuria faced Paddy Pimblett in the Octagon immediately after his knockout victory, which gave rise to speculation that the UFC would opt for the big cash between the two old rivals.
But top candidate Arman Tsarukyan demonstrably makes the strongest thing for a title shot, despite the withdrawal of hours aware of his previous shot at UFC 311. Tsarukyan withdrew from his fight with Islam Makhakev because of a back injury and has not fought since.
Topuria recently claimed that he would rather leave the belt than fight Tsarukyan, if the UFC matchmakers decide that they are who they want for his first title defense.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Arman Tsarukyan responds to the latest comments from Ilia Topuria that reject potential fight
During a press conference in Media Day in Los Angeles, Tsarukyan hit back to the latest dismissal from Topuria.
“If he feels that he is going to lose that fight, it is better to give up the belt and go up or wait for what is happening to me,” Tsarukyan said.
“He knows I'm a big problem for him and I'm going to get his title. He knows, and he wants to get an easy fight with paddy, Gaethje or anyone [else]. Just earn money and don't defend. But with me? It will be difficult for him.
“I have already told them that I am ready in September, October, I train twice a day and I am healthy now,” Tsarukyan continued. 'But if they told me in October with someone [else]And then December with Ilia, sure! I will fight [Dan Hooker]But my goal is a title fight, because I know I deserve it and I am the number one competition. “
Tsarukyan is also interested in a fight with a double title challenge, Justin Gaethje, for a potential no. 1 competition fight. Gaethje has remained adamant that he will probably retire if he does not get the next title shot.
Depending on how things play the rest of the year, the next fight by Topuria may take place against the former title holder of the lightweight division.
The coach of Islam Makheneven now open to exploring Ilia Topuria fight after UFC 317
The old coach of Makhachev, Javier Mendez, recently has his earlier disinterest in the now Lichtweight Champion Formator against Topuria. Makhachev is expected to be confronted against Jack della Maddalena later this year in his pursuit of a second UFC title.
Makhachev may not have excluded that they will come back to the light for the right fight. He recently defended the title against Renato Moicano on UFC 311, after Tsarukyan withdrew from the booking of the main event.
Since then, Topuria has taken over the best pound-for-pound location of the UFC, a position that had long been in the hands of Makhachev during his lightweight title. Makhachev was bumped in one place, but could possibly reclaim the top ranking if he beat Maddalena later this year.