Arman Tsarukyan believes Ilia Topuria’s return fight will be against a well-known veteran in the lightweight division, but maybe one anyone is expecting.
In an interview on the UFC on Paramount+ YouTube channel, Tsarukyan was asked where Topuria fights in the 155-pound title picture after losing his championship and suffering his first defeat to Justin Gaethje in a shocking upset at UFC White House this past June. Topuria suffered facial injuries in the hard-fought contest and his recovery timetable is unclear, but Tsarukyan thinks Michael Chandler is a logical tune-up for Topuria before throwing Topuria back into the thick of contender race.
“He’s still recovering and probably next for him a fight with Michael Chandler and then come back and fight for the title,” Tsarukyan said, adding, “Who else? After this fight, he needs someone easy, an easy fight, and then after that fight come and fight again.”
Prior to his loss to Gaethje, Topuria was on one of the best runs in MMA history. He compiled a 17-0 record, capped by consecutive championship fight knockouts over Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, and Alexander Volkanovski, the latter two at featherweight. However, the lightweight division continues to move on with Topuria on the shelf, with Tsarukyan set to take on Mauricio Ruffy in a pivotal contender contest in the five-round co-main event at UFC 331 on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles.
The assumption is that the Tsarukyan-Ruffy winner will move on to challenge Gaethje for the lightweight title, and while Tsarukyan isn’t sure anything is guaranteed should he win, he is intent on holding onto his spot in the rankings.
“Already No. 1 contender,” Tsarukyan said when asked if the stakes are high for him on Sept. 19.
Tsarukyan and Topuria have been at odds for years now, though a bout is yet to materialize despite the two now residing in the same weight class. A grudge match for the title would draw plenty of interest, and could be one option for Tsarukyan if he completes his mission of becoming the champion.
“There’s a lot of top guys,” Tsarukyan said. “Me, Oliveira still. Paddy Pimblett. Topuria. Max Holloway is tough as well. But when I beat Ruffy, I’m going to fight for the title and then I can pick who I want to fight.”
