Former two-division UFC champion Ilia Topuria believes top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan would struggle to handle his striking if the two meet in the Octagon. Topuria is planning his return after losing the lightweight title to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, and Tsarukyan remains among the high-ranking contenders in line for a title opportunity.
Predicting a Breakdown on the Feet
Topuria expects a potential fight against Tsarukyan to mirror UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski’s dominant finish of Movsar Evloev at UFC 333. Topuria explained that dominant wrestlers often lose confidence when their main strategy is shut down, noting that takedown defense in mixed martial arts has advanced significantly.
“Arman would be pure panic on the feet trying to take you down,” Topuria told ABC MMA. “Like Movsar against Volk, the same thing. They are used to dominating all the time, and their confidence grows through that domination. When you cannot dominate, especially as a wrestler, wrestling and takedown defense in MMA have evolved so much that without good ground skills alongside your wrestling, it becomes exhausting. Arman does not stand out for his ground game.”
Topuria added that Tsarukyan relies heavily on securing takedowns and holding dominant positions rather than showcasing an elite ground game. Emphasizing his own background, the former champion highlighted that he grew up grappling and wrestling, having already competed in four world title fights across two weight classes.
Rebuilding After First Career Defeat
Topuria holds a professional record of 17-1 overall and 9-1 inside the UFC. His recent loss to Gaethje was the first defeat of his career, during which “El Matador” sustained heavy damage before his brother stepped in to stop the fight—a decision Topuria believes saved his career.
Tsarukyan currently holds a record of 24-3 in MMA, including an 11-2 mark in the UFC, as he continues to push for his own shot at championship gold.
