No Fight, No Belt: Tsarukyan Pressures Topuria to Vacate Title

The UFC lightweight division has never been short on drama, and now the spotlight is on two of its brightest stars: Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. With Topuria riding high as the undefeated Spanish-Georgian phenom and Makhachev reigning as the dominant lightweight champion, fans have been clamoring for a clash between the two. But according to Arman Tsarukyan, the No. 2-ranked contender, Makhachev may be doing everything possible to avoid that fight—and Topuria himself may also be looking away from the division’s toughest challenges.

The Armenian contender, who has emerged as one of the most dangerous threats in the weight class, delivered a fiery message that has stirred up the MMA community. His words were direct, unapologetic, and aimed squarely at Topuria’s status as champion.

Tsarukyan Calls Out Topuria

In a recent interview with MatchTV.ru, Arman Tsarukyan didn’t mince words when discussing Ilia Topuria’s future.

“I agree with Islam Makhachev that I am Topuria’s toughest opponent. Everyone is wary of me. If he doesn’t want to fight, he should give up the title, or move to another weight class,” Tsarukyan declared.

The Armenian star, boasting a 22-3 professional record, has been climbing the lightweight ladder with relentless momentum. Known for his aggressive wrestling, tireless pace, and improving striking, Tsarukyan believes he poses the kind of stylistic nightmare that even a fighter as dominant as Ilia Topuria (17-0) may want to avoid.

By suggesting that Topuria should vacate the belt if he’s unwilling to face him, Tsarukyan put pressure not only on the champion but also on the UFC to ensure the division’s most dangerous contender gets his shot.

Islam Makhachev’s Role in the Debate

What makes this feud even spicier is Tsarukyan’s agreement with Islam Makhachev, who has previously hinted that Topuria might not be eager to face certain lightweight challengers. Makhachev himself has been accused by fans of avoiding high-risk opponents, but Tsarukyan turned the tables, insisting that both he and the Russian champion know who the real threat is in the division: Tsarukyan himself.

By aligning with Makhachev on this point, Tsarukyan not only reinforced his claim to being the toughest test for Topuria but also made clear that the lightweight title picture cannot be complete without him.

Topuria’s Boxing Distraction

Adding more fuel to the fire, Tsarukyan took a swipe at Ilia Topuria’s recent comments about boxing. The undefeated Spanish-Georgian has been teasing potential megafights against boxing legends like Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, suggesting that his star power could carry him beyond the UFC.

Tsarukyan was quick to mock this ambition:

“Now he is talking about boxing, he is preparing to knock out Alvarez and Crawford with one punch. Let it be so, let him do boxing and leave MMA alone. We will take what is ours.”

This biting remark not only questioned Topuria’s focus but also painted him as a champion who may already be distracted from the challenges within the Octagon.

The Stakes for the Lightweight Division

With Topuria sitting undefeated at 17-0 and already holding victories over elite names like Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira, his dominance is unquestioned. However, the rise of Arman Tsarukyan creates a fresh storyline: a hungry contender with the style, youth, and momentum to potentially dethrone the new superstar.

If Topuria does indeed look toward boxing, it raises major questions for the UFC: would they allow their pound-for-pound No. 1 star to risk everything in another sport, or will they pressure him to defend his title against killers like Tsarukyan and Makhachev?

For Tsarukyan, the answer is simple. He doesn’t care about Topuria’s boxing ambitions—he cares about the lightweight belt. And he wants it sooner rather than later.

Why Tsarukyan Could Be Topuria’s Toughest Test

On paper, Arman Tsarukyan has the tools to give Topuria more problems than any other fighter. His relentless grappling and chain wrestling are on par with the division’s best. Add to that his constantly evolving striking and the cardio to push the pace for five rounds, and Tsarukyan looks like the kind of fighter who could drag Topuria into deep waters.

Topuria’s striking and finishing power have dismantled some of the sport’s most durable veterans, but his ground defense hasn’t been tested by someone with the wrestling pedigree of Tsarukyan. This is why both Tsarukyan and Makhachev agree: the Armenian may be the biggest stylistic nightmare for the undefeated champion.

What Comes Next?

The UFC is at a crossroads. Fans want to see Ilia Topuria continue his historic run, but they also demand legitimate defenses against top contenders. With UFC 323 rumored for December 2025, speculation is swirling that Topuria could face either Justin Gaethje or another big-name lightweight. But Tsarukyan’s comments ensure that his name remains firmly in the conversation.

If Topuria does chase a boxing payday, Tsarukyan and Makhachev could end up battling for the vacant lightweight belt—a scenario that would shake up the entire division. On the other hand, if Topuria stays, a showdown with Tsarukyan could be one of the most high-stakes fights in UFC history.

Conclusion: Pressure Mounts on Topuria

Ilia Topuria may be unbeaten, dominant, and the UFC’s pound-for-pound king, but with Arman Tsarukyan publicly demanding a shot and Islam Makhachev echoing the same sentiment, the pressure is mounting.

Tsarukyan’s fiery challenge—telling Topuria to either defend or vacate—puts the ball firmly in the champion’s court. Will Topuria silence his critics and take on the Armenian juggernaut, or will he continue to flirt with boxing glory while leaving the lightweight division in limbo?

One thing is certain: the fans are watching closely, and the next move from Ilia Topuria could define his legacy.