“Don’t act like McGregor!” – Tsarukyan continued to attack Topuria for avoiding a worthy opponent.
The tensions in the UFC’s featherweight and lightweight divisions just reached boiling point as Arman Tsarukyan publicly called out Ilia Topuria with a scathing message that questioned the Spanish-Georgian fighter’s legitimacy as a champion. With Topuria riding high after his championship win and soaking in the spotlight, Tsarukyan made it clear that not everyone in the fight world is impressed—especially not him.
On social media, Tsarukyan took aim with a fiery statement:
“Who wants to let Ilia know he’s not McGregor, and that he’s making all the champs look bad? Champs fight the #1 contender… but this is the same guy who thinks he’s the ‘BMF’. 😂 How do you say ‘pussy’ in Spanish?”
That bold jab didn’t just stir fans—it triggered the fight world to take notice. But behind the insult lies a deeper criticism about how Topuria is handling his reign as a UFC champion.
The Core of Tsarukyan’s Criticism
At the heart of Tsarukyan’s attack is a growing frustration among contenders and purists alike that Ilia Topuria is more focused on fame than facing elite competition. Since becoming champion, Topuria has leaned into his flamboyant style—flashy entrances, McGregor-like trash talk, and media appearances that sometimes overshadow his actual fighting resume.
For a fighter like Arman Tsarukyan, who has fought his way through a shark tank of high-level competition in the lightweight division, this kind of behavior represents everything wrong with the current state of title contention.
“Champs fight the #1 contender”—that line isn’t just a shot at Topuria’s ego; it’s a reminder of the responsibilities that come with the belt. And in Tsarukyan’s eyes, Ilia is skipping the line, dodging legitimate threats, and playing a role rather than being a real champion.
Topuria’s Rise: Flawless, But Carefully Curated?
Ilia Topuria has undeniably had a meteoric rise. Undefeated and riding a wave of popularity, the featherweight champ has won fans with his confidence and knockout power. His dismantling of Alexander Volkanovski shocked the MMA world and stamped his name in the UFC record books.
But critics like Tsarukyan argue that Topuria’s path has been strategically padded, avoiding the true killers of the division—fighters like Max Holloway, Movsar Evloev, or even stepping up for a superfight against someone like Tsarukyan himself in a crossover bout.
While Tsarukyan fights monsters like Islam Makhachev, Mateusz Gamrot, and Charles Oliveira, Topuria’s track seems far smoother in comparison. The Georgian-born Spaniard has yet to face a true grappling-heavy, pressure fighter—something Tsarukyan believes he’s uniquely qualified to expose.
Tsarukyan’s Own Position in the UFC
Arman Tsarukyan has been grinding in the shadows for years. His only losses came against Islam Makhachev, the current lightweight champion, and a razor-close decision to Gamrot. Since then, he’s torn through the division with brutal efficiency, defeating top contenders like Joaquim Silva and Beneil Dariush, and positioning himself as one of the most dangerous men in the lightweight division.
With elite wrestling, crisp striking, and relentless cardio, Tsarukyan represents the archetype of the new breed of MMA fighter—young, hungry, technically refined, and willing to fight anyone, anywhere.
So when someone like Topuria skips the hard fights and leans into a persona instead of the grind, it’s no surprise Tsarukyan takes offense.
Is Topuria Ducking Contenders?
Tsarukyan’s accusation is not isolated. Other voices in the MMA community have also questioned Ilia Topuria’s silence when it comes to top contenders. The fan-favorite and UFC veteran Max Holloway has made it clear he wants a title shot, and there’s growing pressure for Evloev, who remains undefeated, to get his opportunity.
Topuria, however, has remained vague—entertaining boxing crossovers, calling out Conor McGregor, and even teasing a move to lightweight without ever seriously addressing the top five of his current division.
This has led many to wonder: Is Topuria the new face of entertainment over legitimacy? Or is he just playing the game smartly to build his brand?
Comparison with Conor McGregor
The comparison with Conor McGregor—which Tsarukyan used as both a jab and warning—might seem flattering at first, but in this context, it’s a loaded insult.
McGregor, despite all the bravado, fought the best. He beat Jose Aldo, Eddie Alvarez, and faced Khabib Nurmagomedov, even in defeat. Ilia Topuria, in Tsarukyan’s words, is wearing the McGregor jacket but hasn’t yet earned the stripes.
By saying, “he thinks he’s the BMF,” Tsarukyan mocks Topuria’s self-proclaimed image as a fearless warrior—while accusing him of running from real fights behind the scenes.
How Fans and Fighters Are Reacting
The MMA world is split. Topuria’s fans argue that he deserves time to celebrate and build his brand after beating one of the greatest featherweights in history. They point to his undefeated record and electrifying performances as proof of his legitimacy.
But fighters—particularly those grinding through the ranks—side with Tsarukyan. The message is clear: defending your belt means facing the hungriest lions, not coasting on hype.
Social media is now flooded with debates, memes, and predictions about what happens if these two ever meet in the Octagon. A Tsarukyan vs. Topuria superfight, either at featherweight or a catchweight, would instantly draw attention.
What’s Next for Ilia Topuria?
As of now, Topuria has yet to officially respond to Tsarukyan’s harsh words. But with UFC matchmakers paying close attention to momentum and social pressure, the Spaniard may soon have no choice but to address the criticism head-on.
Whether it’s a showdown with Max Holloway, a grudge match with Movsar Evloev, or a shocking cross-division clash with Arman Tsarukyan, the pressure is now on Ilia Topuria to prove he’s more than a flashy champion—he needs to prove he’s a real one.
