Ilia Topuria, the UFC lightweight champion, has taken a firm stand against fighting top contender Arman Tsarukyan. In an interview with the Nelk Boys, Topuria said he’d rather give up his belt than face Tsarukyan, citing the contender’s past withdrawal from a title fight. Tsarukyan hit back, questioning Topuria’s heart as a champion.
Topuria and Tsarukyan Clash with Words
Topuria didn’t mince words when asked about Tsarukyan.
He said, “Listen, when you put so much effort in the game, and you have a guy in front who you don’t know that maybe he could pull out from the fight, that’s not something good for us. It’s not, ‘Ah, my back!’ Bro, I don’t f*cking care.”
He was referring to Tsarukyan’s withdrawal from a title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 due to a back injury during his weight cut, which frustrated UFC CEO Dana White
Topuria doubled down, saying:
“They are going to give him a fight before the title shot because there is no way – I’m the world champion, I’m never going to give him a chance to fight for the title. I will be like, listen, if that’s the case, take my belt. I don’t do it.”
His refusal stunned fans, as Tsarukyan is considered a top threat at 155 pounds.
Ilia Topuria says he would vacate his title before giving Arman Tsarukyan the next title shot 😬
“They are gonna give him a fight before the title shot… I’m the world champion. I’m never gonna give him a chance… If that’s the case, take my belt.”
🎥 @nelkboys pic.twitter.com/eZjrY2gvrk
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 24, 2025
Tsarukyan responded on X, saying:
“Imagine calling yourself a champion, but you’re already looking for a way out. You can vacate it, or I’ll take it. Either way, it’s mine.”
Imagine calling yourself a champion, but you’re already looking for a way out. You can vacate it, or I’ll take it. Either way, it’s mine. https://t.co/37ioTAt2vk
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) July 24, 2025
Ilia Topuria, a 28-year-old from Spain, is undefeated with a 17-0 record, including 9-0 in the UFC. He won the featherweight title by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 and later vacated it to move to lightweight. At UFC 317, he claimed the vacant lightweight title with a knockout over Charles Oliveira. Known for his sharp boxing and strong grappling, Topuria uses data analysis to study opponents. He’s eyeing Justin Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett for his first title defense.
Arman Tsarukyan, a 29-year-old from Armenia, has a 23-3 record with 9-2 in the UFC. He’s beaten Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, and Damir Ismagulov but lost to Makhachev in 2019 and Mateusz Gamrot in 2022. Tsarukyan was set to challenge Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311 but withdrew a day before due to a back injury, which drew criticism from Dana White. He served as the backup fighter for Topuria’s title win at UFC 317, making weight without issues.
Topuria’s first title defense is unconfirmed, with Gaethje and Pimblett as likely picks. Tsarukyan needs another win to rebuild trust with the UFC, per Dana White’s comments. The feud has fired up fans, who are eager to see if Topuria holds firm or if Tsarukyan earns a title shot with a big win.
