Tsarukyan Claims Ilia Topuria Lacks All-Around Skills, Possesses Just One Standout Quality

Arman Tsarukyan is not holding back when it comes to assessing UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. The Armenian-born lightweight contender, ranked No. 2 in the division, believes Topuria’s skillset is far from complete — and he insists that the Spaniard only has one truly standout weapon in his arsenal. While Topuria has been adamant that he would rather vacate his title than fight Tsarukyan, the 28-year-old challenger remains determined to prove he is the rightful next opponent for the belt.

Tsarukyan’s Relentless Pursuit of the Title

Tsarukyan’s sights have been set on UFC gold for quite some time, and his resume makes a strong case. Despite injury setbacks that have slowed his activity, he is still considered one of the most dangerous contenders in the lightweight division. His most recent fight came in April 2024 against Charles Oliveira, a match he won decisively, further solidifying his place among the elite.

However, his path to the belt has been complicated by the champion’s reluctance to face him. Topuria, fresh off his successful title defense, has openly stated he would rather give up his championship than fight Tsarukyan. Instead, other names — most notably Paddy Pimblett — have been floated as potential challengers. Tsarukyan, though, sees those contenders as unworthy of the opportunity. In his words, Pimblett should be “deleted” from the rankings altogether.

The Topuria Skillset — And Its Limitations

Speaking on the Jaxxon Podcast, Tsarukyan made it clear that while he respects Topuria’s abilities, he sees a glaring limitation in the champion’s fighting style.

“He has just one special thing. It’s boxing, that’s all,” Tsarukyan said. “It’s not boxing [in the pure sense]. This is MMA. Even in striking, I’m better than him for sure because my kicks, my elbows, my knees all work. He just does good boxing, and he can wrestle as well.”

Tsarukyan is confident that his more diverse striking arsenal — including kicks, knees, and elbows — will give him a clear edge in a potential matchup. He believes that Topuria’s reliance on boxing leaves him vulnerable to a well-rounded attack, especially from someone with his skillset.

Training with Khamzat Chimaev for the Next Step

While waiting for his opportunity, Tsarukyan has been training alongside Khamzat Chimaev to help the Chechen prepare for his UFC 319 bout against Dricus Du Plessis. Tsarukyan believes that joining Chimaev’s camp has helped him sharpen his own game, adding more tools to his already versatile approach.

“I just can’t wait to show everybody what my level is because I’ve been improving myself every day and working hard,” Tsarukyan said. “I have not fought for a long time, but I’m going to come back stronger.”

The Missed Opportunity Against Makhachev

Earlier this year, Tsarukyan was forced to withdraw from a lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev due to a back injury suffered during his weight cut. The decision was not easy, but Tsarukyan knew he could not compete at less than 100%. That missed opportunity has only fueled his motivation to claim the belt and defend it as much as possible.

Makhachev, meanwhile, is preparing for a potential move up to welterweight to face champion Jack Della Maddalena after vacating his lightweight title following a submission victory over Renato Moicano. This shift opens the door for Tsarukyan to fight for the now-vacant 155-pound strap — potentially against Topuria if the champion ever decides to step up.

A Champion’s Mentality Before the Belt

Tsarukyan’s approach is that of a fighter already carrying the mindset of a champion. He has stated his intent to be an active titleholder, taking on all challengers and defending the belt frequently.

“I’m going to defend as much as possible,” Tsarukyan said. “I want to be the greatest fighter in the world because I know how I work, how I dedicate myself to this sport. I love it so much, and I give myself to it — it’s got to pay off.”

His confidence in his work ethic and skillset suggests that if he does get the title shot he has been chasing, he will not be a champion who cherry-picks opponents or avoids difficult fights.

Why the Matchup with Topuria Makes Sense

From a stylistic standpoint, Tsarukyan vs. Topuria could be one of the most compelling matchups in recent UFC history. Topuria’s sharp boxing and defensive grappling have made him a tough puzzle for opponents, but Tsarukyan’s ability to mix up his striking, implement wrestling, and dictate the pace could neutralize those strengths.

Both fighters are confident and unafraid to engage in verbal sparring, which would add to the hype surrounding the fight. While Topuria’s preference may be to avoid Tsarukyan, the Armenian believes the UFC and the fans deserve to see the fight happen.

The Road Ahead

For now, Tsarukyan continues to train and wait for confirmation of his next bout. He is riding a four-fight winning streak and remains confident that his next victory will propel him directly into a title fight. Whether that fight will be against Ilia Topuria, another top contender, or even a returning Islam Makhachev depends on how the UFC landscape shifts in the coming months.

Until then, Tsarukyan is focused on staying ready. He knows that opportunities in MMA can come suddenly, and he wants to be in peak condition when the call comes. His dedication, combined with his evolving skillset, could make him one of the most dangerous title challengers in the division.

If the fight with Topuria materializes, Tsarukyan will finally have the chance to prove his claim — that the champion is a great boxer but lacks the all-around MMA skills to hold off a fighter with his range of weapons. If Tsarukyan’s words hold true, fans might see a changing of the guard in the lightweight division sooner rather than later.