Arman Tsarukyan Claims Superiority Over Ilia Topuria in Both Striking and Wrestling
The UFC lightweight division is one of the most competitive in mixed martial arts, and the latest chapter of drama centers around Arman Tsarukyan and reigning champion Ilia Topuria. Tsarukyan has made it clear that he believes he is the superior fighter, citing his well-rounded skill set of striking and wrestling as the reason he should be the next man to challenge for UFC gold.
Speaking boldly on the JAXXON Podcast, Tsarukyan declared that Topuria’s boxing-heavy style will not be enough against his combination of kicks, elbows, knees, and grappling. Currently ranked No. 2 in the UFC lightweight division, Tsarukyan insists the belt is already his destiny and that the UFC must give him the opportunity to prove it.
Tsarukyan Declares Himself a More Complete Fighter
Confident in his arsenal, Arman Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) explained why he considers himself the best matchup for Ilia Topuria. “Of course I deserve it. I’m No. 1 contender, and they’ve got to give me this fight because I’m the next UFC champion. It’s my belt,” he said.
The Armenian-born fighter emphasized that Topuria’s striking is one-dimensional compared to his own variety of attacks. “He has just one special thing, and it’s boxing. It’s not boxing, it’s MMA, and even in striking I’m better than him for sure. My kicks, elbows, my knees work always. He does just good boxing, and I can wrestle, as well. So, I just can’t wait to show everybody what’s my level.”
This bold statement echoes Tsarukyan’s growing confidence, built on years of improvement in both striking and wrestling. His goal isn’t just to win the title once, but to defend it repeatedly and cement his place in history. “I want to defend as much as possible. I want to be the greatest fighter in the world because I know how I work, how I dedicate for this sport, and I know I’ve got to be the best in this sport. I love it so much, and I give myself to this sport, and it’s got to pay off.”
The Road to Contention
Since debuting in the UFC in 2019 with a decision loss to Islam Makhachev, Tsarukyan has evolved dramatically. He rebounded with a five-fight winning streak, including decisive victories over Davi Ramos and Christos Giagos. His only other major setback came in a razor-close decision loss to Mateusz Gamrot in 2022, but since then, Tsarukyan has risen to the top tier of lightweight contenders.
His most impressive run came in 2023 and 2024, where he defeated Damir Ismagulov, Joaquim Silva, and former title challenger Beneil Dariush. The crowning moment was his victory at UFC 300, where he outlasted Charles Oliveira in a brutal, high-paced fight that proved his elite level. That win earned him recognition as the No. 1 contender in the lightweight division.
However, his momentum briefly stalled after a back injury forced him to withdraw from a scheduled title fight with Makhachev at UFC 311 in January 2025. The withdrawal drew criticism from fans and UFC president Dana White, who suggested that Tsarukyan needed to fight again to earn his next shot.
Adding to the turbulence, Tsarukyan was suspended for nine months in 2024 after a physical altercation with a fan at UFC 300. He returned in 2025 with a grappling win at Karate Combat 54 in Dubai and even served as the backup fighter for Topuria’s title win over Oliveira at UFC 317, where he successfully made weight.
The Growing Rivalry with Ilia Topuria
The rivalry between Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria is heating up rapidly. After Topuria’s knockout win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, Tsarukyan accused him of ducking the fight. “He knows I’m a big problem for him,” Tsarukyan told reporters, pointing to Topuria’s struggles in earlier fights with wrestlers, such as his 2020 bout against Youssef Zalal where fatigue was a factor.
Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC), the undefeated Georgian-Spanish star, has enjoyed a meteoric rise. He became featherweight champion in 2024 after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski, and then claimed the lightweight belt by stopping Max Holloway and Oliveira in consecutive bouts. His power and precise boxing have made him one of the most dangerous finishers in the sport.
Still, Tsarukyan remains convinced that Topuria’s style plays directly into his strengths. “I just go there, take him down and TKO him with my elbows, first round,” he promised after UFC 317, confident that his grappling-heavy style would neutralize Topuria’s boxing.
UFC Politics and the Crowded Lightweight Division
While Tsarukyan’s case for the next title shot is strong, the lightweight division is stacked with contenders. Justin Gaethje, who remains a fan favorite, is pushing for a title opportunity. Paddy Pimblett, fresh off a heated face-off with Topuria, is also campaigning for the shot. Din Thomas suggested on his “Bohnfire” podcast that Tsarukyan might still be in the UFC’s “dog house” for his UFC 311 withdrawal, opening the door for others to leapfrog him.
Chael Sonnen, however, believes the UFC is already planning Tsarukyan vs. Topuria, saying on his YouTube channel that it’s “100% the plan.” Dana White, speaking after UFC 317, stayed noncommittal: “We’ll see who’s next.”
Tsarukyan himself has been selective in his fight choices, turning down what he called a “disrespectful” offer from the UFC to face a lower-ranked opponent at UFC on ABC 9. He instead demanded a top-five contender, such as Dan Hooker, to maintain his position at the top of the rankings.
Style Clash: Wrestling vs. Boxing
At the heart of this potential showdown is a stylistic clash between Tsarukyan’s wrestling and versatile striking versus Topuria’s powerful boxing. Tsarukyan thrives in scrambles, has excellent chain wrestling, and uses his ground-and-pound to finish fights. His cardio has also proven to be elite, giving him confidence in high-paced contests.
Topuria, on the other hand, has developed into one of the UFC’s most accurate knockout artists. His boxing fundamentals, coupled with devastating power, have ended fights against some of the division’s biggest names. But questions remain about his wrestling defense and stamina in longer fights, areas where Tsarukyan believes he can dominate.
Tsarukyan’s Long-Term Vision
For Tsarukyan, the fight with Topuria isn’t just about winning the belt—it’s about building a legacy. “I want to defend as much as possible. I want to be the greatest fighter in the world because I know how I work, how I dedicate for this sport, and I know I’ve got to be the best in this sport,” he said. His admiration for Khabib Nurmagomedov, who inspired his grappling-based approach, fuels his long-term goal of becoming a dominant champion.
Conclusion
The potential clash between Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria has all the makings of a blockbuster UFC title fight. With Topuria unbeaten and holding two divisional titles, and Tsarukyan riding a wave of momentum as the No. 1 contender, the stakes are higher than ever.
Tsarukyan’s confidence in his striking and wrestling superiority could make him the most dangerous opponent Topuria has faced yet. However, UFC politics, fan interest, and Dana White’s matchmaking decisions will ultimately decide whether this rivalry culminates in the octagon.
For now, Tsarukyan continues to push for his opportunity, Topuria stands firm as the champion, and the lightweight division remains one of the most compelling battlegrounds in combat sports.
