Ilia Topuria is preparing for a high-stakes match against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, where they will compete for the vacant lightweight title. However, attention is shifting to Arman Tsarukyan, the official backup fighter for this event, who has ignited tension following Topuria’s dismissive remarks about his chances, sparking a fierce reaction from fans concerned about the genuine threat Tsarukyan poses in the UFC lightweight division.

Topuria’s Dismissive Attitude Towards Backup Fighter Arman Tsarukyan Raises Eyebrows

Topuria, known for knocking out former champions Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, expressed little concern over Tsarukyan’s potential impact, even questioning his preparation as a backup fighter. In an interview with the New York Post Sports, he confidently declared,

“Arman has no chance against me. What’s he gonna do? Go for the takedowns? Bro, come on.”

He further criticized Tsarukyan’s decision to accept the contingency role, stating,

“That’s a bad decision for him. I don’t know why he accepted, because you can’t come here as a backup fighter. I don’t know how did he train for this fight?”

Despite Topuria’s self-assurance, Tsarukyan is far from a mere placeholder. The Armenian fighter boasts a four-fight winning streak, highlighted by a split decision victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. He was initially scheduled for a title shot against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 but pulled out the day before due to a back injury during weight cutting, making way for Renato Moicano to step in on short notice.

Arman Tsarukyan Fights Back After Topuria’s Comments

Tsarukyan did not remain silent after Topuria’s remarks. Taking to social media, he responded sharply with,

“You better pray nothing happens to Charles, because I’m the worst possible matchup for you in this division. There’s a reason you’re fighting the guy I already beat, and not me, for that belt.”

His statement resonated with fans who quickly sided with Tsarukyan, prompting intense discussions about Topuria’s apparent underestimation of his backup rival.

Mixed Fan Opinions Cast Doubt on Topuria’s Confidence

The MMA community has been vocal in challenging Topuria’s dismissive stance toward Tsarukyan. One fan criticized Topuria’s perceived inconsistency, pointing out past management statements when Topuria’s camp declared,

“Ilia wants a championship fight. He will not fight for the status of a contender with Tsarukyan or anyone else.”

This led fans to question whether Topuria’s current bravado conceals reluctance to face a tough wrestler like Tsarukyan.

Another fan supported this skepticism by noting,

“But Ilia Topuria didn’t want to fight Arman Tsarukyan when the fight was offered to him.”

This memory fuels the notion that Topuria’s harsh words are more posturing than genuine confidence, considering that he reportedly refused a contender fight against Tsarukyan earlier.

Fans Highlight Tsarukyan’s Wrestling Skills as His Greatest Weapon

Tsarukyan’s grappling ability has generated significant respect among fans who believe it could dismantle Topuria’s striking-based style. Pointing to Tsarukyan’s career takedown average of 3.25 per 15 minutes and his 75% takedown defense, fans argue this style represents a major challenge. One fan remarked,

“That’s exactly what he’s gonna do lmao. He’s gonna lay on you for the entire fight and there not a damn thing you can do.”

This reflects a widespread view that relentless pressure and solid wrestling make Tsarukyan a nightmare opponent for strikers like Topuria.

The respect for Tsarukyan’s grappling roots further deepened with comparisons to his memorable 2019 bout against Islam Makhachev, where despite losing narrowly, Tsarukyan impressed by attempting 12 takedowns and earning ‘Fight of the Night’ honors. A fan emphasized this by stating,

“If he can take Islam down and hold him for a little he can definitely take ilia down and maybe get a sub.”

This recollection underlines Tsarukyan’s ability to challenge even the division’s elite grappler, reinforcing the threat he represents.

Physical Attributes and Fighting Style Add to Tsarukyan’s Advantage

While both fighters stand around 5’7”, Tsarukyan holds a reach advantage with 72.5 inches compared to Topuria’s 69 inches. Fans note that although this difference might seem small, it is a significant factor at the highest level of competition where reach and size contribute heavily to fight dynamics. One fan’s blunt observation that Topuria

“Talks too much for someone his size”

captures the belief that Tsarukyan’s physical and tactical attributes could overshadow Topuria’s striking prowess.

What This Rivalry Means for the UFC Lightweight Division

The exchange between Topuria and Tsarukyan highlights growing tensions among the UFC lightweight elite and the complexities behind title contention. Tsarukyan’s steady rise, backed by key victories and wrestling dominance, positions him as a formidable threat to any champion. Meanwhile, Topuria’s outspoken confidence, while characteristic of his fighting persona, appears to have triggered a fan backlash urging more respect towards Tsarukyan’s capabilities.

As UFC 317 approaches, where Topuria and Oliveira will contest the vacant belt, Tsarukyan remains a looming presence behind the scenes. Should circumstances lead to a title shot for him in the future, his breakdown of Topuria’s style and the respect earned through his performances suggest the lightweight hierarchy could face notable shifts. For fans and observers, the brewing rivalry promises to shape the division’s battles in the months and years ahead.