Tsarukyan Accuses Ilia Topuria of Avoiding Him: ‘He Knows I’m the Strongest’

The UFC lightweight division has always been one of the most competitive and talent-packed weight classes in the sport, and in 2025, it is arguably hotter than ever. With Ilia Topuria holding the lightweight crown, new challengers are emerging with fierce determination to dethrone him. Among them stands Arman Tsarukyan, the rising Armenian contender, who has boldly accused Topuria of deliberately avoiding him. In a fiery statement, Tsarukyan declared: “Topuria doesn’t want to fight me because he knows I’m the strongest.” This claim has lit a fire under UFC fans, analysts, and fighters, setting the stage for a potentially explosive showdown.

Tsarukyan’s Rise in the Lightweight Division

At just 28 years old, Arman Tsarukyan has cemented himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in the 155-pound division. Known for his relentless grappling, exceptional cardio, and improving striking, Tsarukyan has defeated a string of high-level opponents to earn his spot as the division’s No. 2 ranked contender. His dominant performances have not only impressed fans but also forced the UFC to consider him as a legitimate title challenger.

In recent interviews, Tsarukyan emphasized that he is ready for the championship stage: “I’m waiting for Ilia. If the UFC wants me to fight again before the title shot, I’ll do it. I’m ready for anyone because the only thing missing for me is the belt.” His confidence shows that he is not content with just climbing the rankings—he is hungry for gold and believes Topuria is standing in his way.

The Callouts: Gaethje, Pimblett, Hooker

Tsarukyan also pointed to several names who could be potential opponents should the UFC delay his shot at the champion. He mentioned Justin Gaethje, Paddy Pimblett, and Dan Hooker as fighters on his radar. However, Tsarukyan was quick to dismiss the willingness of most of them to step into the cage with him.

According to Tsarukyan, only Dan Hooker is genuinely prepared to fight: “The rest won’t take the fight. They’re waiting for a title shot. They don’t want to risk losing before that chance.” This statement underscores his belief that he is being avoided not just by Topuria, but by others in the division as well.

The Accusation: “Topuria Is Avoiding Me”

The boldest part of Tsarukyan’s remarks was reserved for Ilia Topuria himself. The Armenian fighter accused the Spanish-Georgian champion of cherry-picking easier fights rather than facing him: “Topuria doesn’t want to fight me because he knows I am the strongest in this division and I’ll give him real problems. For him, fighting Paddy Pimblett is a much easier way to make money, so that’s what he prefers.”

This accusation strikes at the heart of a heated debate surrounding Topuria’s rise. While no one doubts his talent—especially after his sensational knockout of Alexander Volkanovski to capture the featherweight title before moving to lightweight—critics argue that Topuria may be more focused on marketable opponents than the toughest possible challenges.

The Response from the MMA World

Tsarukyan’s accusations did not go unnoticed. Fans on social media have been buzzing about the potential clash between these two warriors. Many see it as a clash of styles—Topuria’s explosive striking and killer instinct versus Tsarukyan’s suffocating grappling and relentless pace.

Adding fuel to the fire, Khamzat Chimaev, the UFC’s middleweight star, also weighed in. He challenged Topuria to prove his greatness: “We need to know who the best fighter in the world really is.” With both Tsarukyan and Chimaev calling him out, Topuria finds himself at the center of enormous pressure to defend his legitimacy as a champion.

Dana White, McGregor, and the UFC Picture

UFC President Dana White has kept the future of the lightweight division intentionally vague, fueling speculation. While White has hinted at major events coming up toward the end of the year, he shocked fans recently by mentioning that Conor McGregor might make his long-awaited return, even going as far as teasing the possibility of McGregor fighting “at the White House.”

McGregor’s return would naturally shake up the title picture, but for now, Tsarukyan remains firm: he wants his shot, and he wants it against Topuria. Anything else, in his eyes, would be a step backward.

Why Tsarukyan vs. Topuria Is the Fight Fans Want

The potential fight between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan is not just about rankings—it’s about styles, narratives, and legacy. Here’s why it has the makings of a blockbuster:

1. Clash of Styles: Topuria is a devastating striker with knockout power in both hands, while Tsarukyan is one of the most complete wrestlers and grapplers in the UFC. This stylistic clash is what MMA is all about.

2. Youth and Prime: Both fighters are young, hungry, and in their athletic prime. This isn’t a fight between a fading star and a rising contender—it’s a collision between two fighters at their peak.

3. Bad Blood: Tsarukyan’s accusations of avoidance add a personal edge to the rivalry. Fans love drama, and this narrative delivers.

4. High Stakes: For Tsarukyan, this fight would be the chance to achieve his dream of becoming champion. For Topuria, it’s the opportunity to silence critics and prove he is willing to face the toughest threats.

What Happens If Topuria Avoids the Fight?

If Topuria decides not to face Tsarukyan, questions will linger about his willingness to fight the best. Critics will argue that his legacy will be incomplete if he chooses marketable but less dangerous opponents instead of the most deserving challengers. Tsarukyan has already planted the idea in fans’ minds that avoidance equals weakness, and that narrative could damage Topuria’s reputation if left unaddressed.

Final Thoughts: Is Tsarukyan Right?

So, is Arman Tsarukyan correct in claiming that Ilia Topuria is avoiding him because he is the strongest? That’s up for debate. What’s undeniable is that Tsarukyan has earned his place as one of the top lightweights in the world, and his confidence is matched only by his skill set. Topuria, on the other hand, has proven himself against elite competition but now faces the challenge of solidifying his reign by fighting the division’s hungriest and most dangerous contenders.

The UFC thrives on rivalries like this. Whether Dana White books it for late 2025 or early 2026, fans are clamoring for Topuria vs. Tsarukyan, a fight that promises fireworks, drama, and possibly a passing of the torch. Until then, the tension will continue to build, and the accusations of avoidance will only raise the stakes higher.