Arman Tsarukyan’s master plan: Secret coup to take down Ilia Topuria at next UFC

As Arman Tsarukyan rises in the UFC lightweight rankings, fans speculate whether his campaign to fight Ilia Topuria is part of a well-calculated plan to dethrone the new champion. Explore the strategic, professional, and political angles behind MMA’s next big rivalry.

In the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts, strategy often goes beyond the Octagon. Arman Tsarukyan, the UFC’s #2 lightweight contender, is at the center of speculation as fans and insiders analyze his moves to challenge and possibly dethrone the newly crowned champion, Ilia Topuria. While no official announcement has been made, Tsarukyan’s recent activities suggest that a sophisticated campaign is underway—one that might be the most calculated challenge the UFC has seen in years.

UFC Lightweight Landscape: The Calm Before the Storm

The lightweight division is one of the UFC’s most volatile and talent-rich categories. Just over a month ago, Ilia Topuria captured the belt, marking a significant shift in power. As the MMA world absorbed this change, one contender emerged with unmatched momentum and intent: Arman Tsarukyan.

Ranked #2 and boasting an impressive track record, Tsarukyan is the most logical next challenger. Yet, UFC has remained silent on any formal matchup, creating a cloud of uncertainty—and opportunity.

Applying Pressure: Tsarukyan’s Public Callouts

Tsarukyan is not waiting for the UFC’s call. He has taken to social media and interviews, directly challenging Topuria and expressing his readiness to fight as early as September or October. His offer even includes a double-header plan: one tune-up bout in October, followed by a title shot against Topuria in December.

This bold, public challenge serves two purposes:

1. Build hype and force public pressure on UFC matchmakers

2. Project unwavering confidence and dominance

This isn’t just a fighter asking for a chance—it’s a contender orchestrating a narrative.

Strategic Readiness: The Professional Arsenal

If there’s one thing Tsarukyan has demonstrated, it’s professionalism. Earlier this year, he cut weight successfully as a backup fighter for UFC 317’s title fight between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira. This gesture did not go unnoticed, especially after he previously missed a bout at UFC 311 due to a scheduling controversy.

Furthermore, Tsarukyan has been seen training alongside Khamzat Chimaev, one of the most physically dominant fighters in the UFC. This partnership not only keeps Arman in elite condition but signals to the UFC brass that he is preparing for war—with or without a confirmed opponent.

UFC and Media Reactions: An Inevitable Clash?

UFC President Dana White has publicly acknowledged Tsarukyan’s professionalism and preparedness, particularly praising his willingness to be a standby fighter for UFC 317. Behind the scenes, the momentum seems to be building.

Veteran UFC analyst and former fighter Chael Sonnen recently dropped a bombshell: the Tsarukyan vs. Topuria fight is already being planned at a 100% certainty rate—just awaiting a date. If true, this would mean Arman’s plan is working precisely as designed.

Topuria, however, remains non-committal. In recent interviews, he emphasized that he’s “still young and not in a rush,” suggesting hesitancy or strategic pacing.

Meanwhile, another challenger, Paddy Pimblett, is throwing verbal jabs at Tsarukyan, accusing him of trying to “buy his way” into a title shot. This reflects deeper divisions within the UFC’s roster and fanbase.

The Social War: Arman vs. the Public Narrative

What we are witnessing is not merely a rivalry in the Octagon but a media war. Tsarukyan is manipulating the narrative in his favor:

• He has painted himself as the prepared professional

• He’s cast Topuria as hesitant and selective

• He’s countering Pimblett’s criticisms with silence and focus

In an era where storylines influence ticket sales and PPV buys, Arman Tsarukyan may already be ahead in the fight—before even stepping into the cage.

Breakdown Table: The Pieces of Arman’s Master Plan

Between Strategy and Suspense: What Comes Next?

While Topuria plays it cool, the silence could be part of his own mind game. By not acknowledging Tsarukyan directly, he may be attempting to destabilize Arman’s calculated rhythm. Or perhaps UFC is buying time to build up promotional hype.

Meanwhile, Tsarukyan continues to execute what appears to be a near-perfect strategic campaign. He’s applying pressure from every possible angle—from media to professionalism to readiness—to position himself as the only logical and marketable next opponent.

A Calculated Coup or Deserved Contender?

Arman Tsarukyan’s journey to the UFC title picture is anything but accidental. Whether it’s a cunning master plan or the genuine actions of a ready fighter, his rise is reshaping the UFC lightweight narrative.

With Ilia Topuria standing tall as champion but seemingly unsure about his next step, and with media insiders hinting that a clash is inevitable, the stage is set for a dramatic confrontation.

Arman’s bid isn’t just for the belt—it’s a strategic takeover of UFC’s lightweight kingdom. Whether this masterplan culminates in gold or fades under pressure, one thing is clear: he has already won the first round—outside the cage.