Arman Tsarukyan is making it clear that he wants the next UFC lightweight title fight. The undefeated contender believes he is a more complete fighter than current champion Ilia Topuria. Tsarukyan has been working on his striking, wrestling, and overall MMA game to prove he is ready for the championship. He is currently ranked No. 2 in the lightweight division and is determined to show that his combination of kicks, elbows, knees, and wrestling gives him an advantage over Topuria’s boxing-heavy style.
Arman Tsarukyan Declares Himself Superior to Ilia Topuria
Speaking on the JAXXON Podcast, Tsarukyan explained why he deserves the title shot. He said:
“Of course I deserve it. I’m No. 1 contender, and they’ve got to give me this fight because I’m the next UFC champion. It’s my belt. He has just has one special thing, and it’s boxing. It’s not boxing, it’s MMA, and even in striking I’m better than him for sure. My kicks, elbows, my knees work always. He does just good boxing, and I can wrestle, as well. So, I just can’t wait to show everybody what’s my level.”
Tsarukyan also shared his long-term ambitions in the sport.
“I want to defend as much as possible. I want to be the greatest fighter in the world because I know how I work, how I dedicate for this sport, and I know I’ve got to be the best in this sport. I love it so much, and I give myself to this sport, and it’s got to pay off.” On his readiness for the lightweight division, he added, “I’ll be waiting for him (Makhachev) at 155.”
Arman Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) started his UFC career in 2019 with a decision loss to Islam Makhachev. He then won five straight fights, including knockouts of Davi Ramos and Christos Giagos, before losing a decision to Mateusz Gamrot in 2022. Tsarukyan rebounded with wins over Damir Ismagulov, Joaquim Silva, Beneil Dariush, and Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024, earning his No. 1 contender spot. His withdrawal from a title fight against Makhachev at UFC 311 in January 2025 due to a back injury drew criticism, with Dana White saying he must fight again to earn another shot. Tsarukyan’s only other notable setback was a nine-month suspension in 2024 after a physical altercation with a fan at UFC 300. He returned to competition with a grappling win over Makasharip Zaynukov at Karate Combat 54 in Dubai in May, 2025. Tsarukyan also served as the backup fighter for Topuria’s title win over Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, making weight without issue.
Tsarukyan’s push for Topuria echoes past tensions. Topuria, who knocked out Oliveira at UFC 317, claimed he’d vacate the belt before fighting Tsarukyan, citing his withdrawal from the Makhachev fight. Tsarukyan fired back, accusing Topuria of ducking him, saying, “He knows I’m a big problem for him,” during a media scrum in Newport Beach. He also told Daniel Cormier after UFC 317, “I’m going to strike him, kick him. I watched his first fight, and he tired so much,” referencing Topuria’s 2020 win over Youssef Zalal, where he struggled with wrestling.
Chael Sonnen, on his YouTube channel, said the UFC is planning Tsarukyan vs. Topuria, calling it “100% the plan,”. However, Din Thomas, on “The Bohnfire” podcast, warned Tsarukyan is still in the UFC’s “dog house” for his UFC 311 pullout, suggesting Justin Gaethje might get the next shot. Paddy Pimblett, who faced off with Topuria post-UFC 317, also wants the title shot.
Tsarukyan’s history includes turning down a “disrespectful” UFC offer to fight a lower-ranked opponent for UFC on ABC 9 in July 2025, insisting on a top-five fighter like Dan Hooker. His admiration for Khabib Nurmagomedov, who inspired his grappling-heavy style, was noted on the “Out Cold” podcast.
The lightweight division is crowded with contenders. Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC), a 28-year-old from Georgia, won the featherweight title in 2024 and the lightweight title in 2025, with knockouts of Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. Tsarukyan believes he’s the toughest matchup, “I just go there, take him down and TKO him with my elbows, first round,”.
Dana White, at the UFC 317 press conference, didn’t commit to Tsarukyan’s title shot, saying, “We’ll see who’s next,”. Tsarukyan’s role in Chimaev’s UFC 319 camp, where he noted Chimaev’s “sharp” preparation, shows his commitment to staying active. A win over Topuria could set up a rematch with Makhachev, while a loss could drop him behind Gaethje or Pimblett.
