It seems that fans should not expect UFC to fight lightweight Ilia Topuria for the second time in 2025.
Topuria is the newest addition to the Club of Two-Division Champions on the largest stage of Mixed Martial Arts, with the title glory on featherweight with a rapid crown on 155 pounds.
Last June Topuria Charles Oliveira switched off on UFC 317 to claim the lightweight throne. Since then, the Sweepstakes have dominated the discussion in the division for the first shot to drop him off.
All the while, however, Topuria has enjoyed life and pleasure away from the cage – and it seems that it will continue for the near future.
Arman Tsarukyan expects that a title -eliminator with Ilia Topuria will not return in 2025
When it comes to the meritocratic choice, there is little doubt that Arman Tsarukyan earns the most. But his late withdrawal from UFC 311 last January seems to have opened the door for Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett to match him.
Pimblett increased his chances with a Topuria face-off on UFC 317, but talks about getting a chance from No. 9 in the ranking has caused a commotion among some fans and hunters. Many want 'The Baddy' to earn the shot at a top five competition, and based on the recent comments from Tsarukyan, who may flourish.
While in Chicago to the corner of Khamzat Chimaev on UFC 319, the Russian-armical lightweight claimed that Topuria will only make his first defense in January or February 2026. With that in mind, the UFC will be a fight between Tsarukyan and another candidate in the title mix before the end of this year.
“(Topuria) wants to come back in January or February,” Tsarukyan told Adam Zubayraev. “And I haven't fought anymore.
“So I think I have to fight in October or November. And I spoke with the boss yesterday. They said they might put up a fight with someone.
“In Abu Dhabi or in Qatar … maybe Gaethje, maybe (then) hooker, maybe paddy,” Tsarukyan added, pointing to the scouser as his favorite opponent.
Arman Tsarukyan continues to exchange shots with paddy pimblett
If the UFC chooses to ignore Gaethje's pension culture, there is certainly enough history to make a title -eliminator between Tsarukyan and Pimblett extremely heated.
The couple went back and forth for more than 2025, with Tsarukyan firing the most recent shot on Pimblett after seeing the newest title of the scouser shot for Dana White and the UFC.
“You are no one, at most a trash can,” Tsarukyan wrote in a message about X.
“Dad Dana has fed you a few seniors to build your hype. That is all you are, hype. I have earned everything in my career, nothing was handed over to me.
“Sit your Goofy A – down and wait for Dad to tell you what to do,” he added.