Chael Sonnen Drops Bombshell: “It’s 100% the Plan” – UFC Reportedly Locks In Topuria vs Tsarukyan

The lightweight division may finally have its next blockbuster matchup, and according to Chael Sonnen, the plans are far more advanced than anyone expected. Despite Ilia Topuria’s public claims of wanting nothing to do with Arman Tsarukyan, Sonnen insists the UFC is already moving forward behind the scenes. His words? “It’s 100% the plan.”

If true, the clash between undefeated UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria (17-0) and surging contender Arman Tsarukyan (23-3) could become one of the most intriguing, high-level stylistic matchups in the modern lightweight era.

The Drama So Far

The build-up to this potential fight has been anything but straightforward. Tsarukyan was originally set to challenge Islam Makhachev for the title at UFC 311, but pulled out just a day before the event due to undisclosed reasons. This prompted Dana White to declare that Tsarukyan would need to re-earn his shot.

Meanwhile, Topuria shocked the world by dethroning Charles Oliveira in dominant fashion at UFC 317 and capturing the vacant lightweight belt. But when asked about defending it against Tsarukyan, he bluntly said he’d rather vacate the title than face him — suggesting names like Justin Gaethje or even Paddy Pimblett as more likely opponents.

That deflection had many believing the Tsarukyan-Topuria fight was off the table.

Sonnen’s Insider Info

Enter Chael Sonnen — never shy about stirring the pot, but this time, he says he’s not just speculating. He’s reporting.

“Outside of illness or injury, even if I’m breaking news to you, I’m not sharing my opinion. I’m sharing a fact with you: It’s Arman vs. Ilia,” Sonnen declared on MMA Junkie’s “The Bohnfire” podcast. “That is 100 percent the plan.”

Sonnen backed up his claim with multiple insider references:

• He says Arman’s wrestling coach, Darryl Christian (who was also best man at Sonnen’s wedding), has confirmed details.

• Sonnen also mentioned Coach Sam Calavitta, who recently ran into Tsarukyan during a filming session meant for Khamzat Chimaev.

• And perhaps most interestingly, Sonnen pointed to Topuria’s behavioral pattern, saying:

  “Ilia’s first move when he’s going to fight a guy, aside from Paddy, is to say, ‘I’m not going to fight the guy.’ It’s just his approach.”

He likened it to Anderson Silva’s historical strategy of denying fights before later accepting them — a slow-play media tactic that builds mystique and momentum.

Tsarukyan’s Long Road Back

Let’s not forget: Tsarukyan has been through the wringer. After an impressive victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, many saw him as the next undeniable contender. But pulling out of the Islam fight left him in limbo.

Still, the UFC quietly kept him close. Tsarukyan served as the official backup fighter for UFC 317’s lightweight title bout, went through a full training camp, made weight, and sat cageside — watching as Paddy Pimblett soaked up media attention.

“(Tsarukyan) got put through a purgatory,” Sonnen said. “But he did everything asked of him. There’s an appreciation that’s going to be shown to him now.”

The Perfect Clash of Styles

From a technical standpoint, this is the fight fans want.

• Ilia Topuria, nicknamed “El Matador,” is one of the cleanest strikers in the UFC today. Compact, accurate, fearless — and most importantly, undefeated.

• Arman Tsarukyan is a pressure-heavy, chain-wrestling machine with cardio to burn and the ability to neutralize even the best grapplers.

Sonnen summed it up perfectly:

“Matchup-wise, the hardest matchup for Ilia is Arman Tsarukyan. I think the world would lean toward Topuria right now… he’s the flavor. But if Tsarukyan gets his hands on you, you’ve got a problem.”

The fight would pit precision vs pressure, power vs pace, and hype vs hunger. It’s the kind of stylistic tension that has delivered instant classics throughout MMA history.

Topuria’s Star Power and Media Game

Topuria’s sudden rise has been fueled not just by his in-cage dominance, but also his brash charisma, fashion-forward persona, and Spanish-Georgian identity, which has made him a cross-continental superstar.

But with that fame comes pressure — and he’s already declared a desire to move up to featherweight and possibly even welterweight in pursuit of champ-champ status.

Could the UFC be stepping in to ensure he defends his belt before jumping weight classes?

It wouldn’t be the first time the promotion acted fast to keep divisions stable.

What’s Next?

If Sonnen is right — and he often is — then fans can expect an official announcement in the coming weeks, possibly setting up a UFC main event in late 2025 or early 2026.

Potential card ideas being floated include:

• UFC 322 or 323 in Abu Dhabi or Spain, both ideal locations for Topuria.

• A co-main featuring Paddy Pimblett, possibly as backup or future challenger.

• Another title fight or BMF bout to elevate the stakes of the PPV.

Until then, the lightweight division waits — and the fans salivate.

Final Word

Sonnen’s claim that Topuria vs. Tsarukyan is “100% the plan” is more than just a headline — it could mark the start of one of the most competitive and hyped title rivalries the UFC has seen in years.

Both men are young, explosive, and fighting in their primes. Whether Topuria truly wants it or not, Arman Tsarukyan is coming, and based on the insider noise, the UFC is already all-in on making it happen.

Brace yourselves. This could be the next classic in the UFC’s most talent-stacked division.