The Ilia Topuria -Sweepstakes can be over soon after one option claimed to be the forerunner.
Since Topuria followed his short title line at Vederweight with an immediate lightweight crown in his return to the Division to UFC 317, the city's conversation is waiting for us for the Spaniard.
The UFC seems to have three options for 'El Matador': the chance to take advantage of hostility with Paddy Pimblett, the last recording for Justin Gaethje who, according to him, owes, or the meritocratic choice in Arman Tsarukyan.
Many quickly eliminated the last of those three from the comparison after Dana White suggested that the role of Tsarukyan as UFC 317 backup hunter was not enough to make up for his withdrawal of the Late Notice from UFC 311.
But according to Tsarukyan himself, things look good for him.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Arman Tsarukyan is convinced to get the first chance at Ilia Topuria
Tsarukyan has accused Topuria of diving him lately after the champion had criticized because he claimed that he would rather leave the belt than giving 'Akhalkalakets' a shot.
The UFC has not received exactly the reputation as a meritocracy and has distributed a number of controversial title chances in the past. In that sense, rewarding the victory of Pimblett seemed to be a likely but polarizing choice with a shot with a shot.
During a recent interview with Kamil Gadzhiev, however, Tsarukyan claimed that he was probably the next man “70 percent”, opposed Topuria in the Octagon, not 'The Baddy'.
“I am number one in the ranking (apart from Charles Oliveira), but the UFC can do what they want,” said Tsarukyan (translated by Home of Fight).
“Even if I don't get a title shot next time, if I keep winning, they have no choice, then give me one.
“I think there is a 70 percent chance, I'll fight against Topuria next time,” Tsarukyan added. “They didn't even offer me someone else. We only negotiate a title fight.”
UFC Insider recently claimed that Ilia Topuria versus Arman Tsarukyan is ready
Interestingly enough, the above comments came shortly after a UFC insider claimed that Topuria vs. Tsarukyan is completed.
In a video on his YouTube channel, ESPN analyst and former dichotomy UFC title Challenger Chael Sonnen stated that the first defense of the lightweight King was booked for this December in T-Mobile Arena.
“I will officially give you some of the worst kept secret matchups in MMA at the moment, Ilia Topuria is fighting Arman Tsarukyan and yes, I say,” Sonen said.
“That fight was done, just so that you understand. … (Topuria is) not denying the fight, he has his approach he found to build battles,” he added.