Arman Tsarukyan, a top contender in the UFC lightweight division, has boldly challenged Ilia Topuria by wagering $500,000 on an easy victory over the newly crowned champion. Tsarukyan aims to secure a title shot by highlighting Topuria’s perceived vulnerabilities in their potential matchup.
Tsarukyan, known for his rapid rise with wins against Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush, has positioned himself firmly in the lightweight title conversation. However, Topuria has expressed doubt about facing Tsarukyan soon, indicating he wants at least one more win before accepting challengers of that caliber. This hesitation leaves uncertainty around the fight, but Tsarukyan remains confident enough to put substantial money on the line to make the bout happen.
Tsarukyan’s Bold $500,000 Wager and Challenge to Topuria
Arman Tsarukyan recently announced on the Overdogs Podcast with Mike Perry that he is willing to bet half a million dollars that he would defeat Ilia Topuria, and if he loses, he expects Topuria to pay him the same amount.
“I can put like half million [on line] if he beat me, …[he won’t] If I beat him, he’s gonna give me a half a million. If he wants to make that, I’m down. We can shake hands, fight…” —Arman Tsarukyan on Overdogs Podcast with Mike Perry (@Overdogspod)
Tsarukyan’s gamble is both a statement of confidence and a strategy to provoke the champion into accepting the fight. Recently, Tsarukyan made weight as a backup fighter at the UFC 317 event headlined by Topuria vs. Oliveira, demonstrating his readiness for a championship bout. However, UFC CEO Dana White indicated that Tsarukyan’s role as a backup does not guarantee a title shot immediately, signaling he should build momentum further.
Tsarukyan is backed financially by his family’s wealth, allowing him to take risks others might avoid. He also emphasized his wrestling skills as a major advantage against Topuria, suggesting the champion fears Tsarukyan’s freestyle wrestling and believes he is beatable. To illustrate this, Tsarukyan created a skit mocking Topuria as “too chicken” to fight, drawing inspiration from fighters like Anatoly Malykhin of ONE FC.
Topuria’s Reservations and the Current Lightweight Title Picture
Ilia Topuria secured the vacant UFC lightweight championship at UFC 317 by defeating Charles Oliveira, shaking up expectations within the division. Known for his charismatic pre-fight taunts and confident proclamations, Topuria has challenged multiple opponents to defend his belt but remains strategic in selecting his challengers.
Topuria has expressed reluctance toward facing Tsarukyan immediately, citing a need for more preparation and additional victories before taking on one of the division’s toughest contenders. Instead, he allowed Renato Moicano to replace Tsarukyan in a title challenge against Islam Makhachev after Tsarukyan withdrew from UFC 311 weigh-ins.
This decision highlights the dynamic and competitive nature of the 155-pound division, where fighters like Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are also in contention. Gaethje, currently ranked No. 5, has amassed recent wins supporting his claim to a title shot, while Pimblett, ranked No. 9, has gained attention for his fan appeal and heated rivalry with Topuria.
Expert Views and the Debate Over the Next Title Challenger
Former two-division UFC champion and analyst Daniel Cormier voiced his opinion that Arman Tsarukyan is the most deserving contender for the lightweight title fight, despite acknowledgment that Topuria might be reluctant to face him immediately.
“I believe, all things considered, merit, warranted, I think [it] probably should be Arman, …I think Arman Tsarukyan probably should be the guy that gets the title fight. I just don’t know if the champion is willing to fight him [though]…right now.” —Daniel Cormier said on his Official YT Channel
Others, such as Max Holloway, who previously competed against Topuria, recognize the champion’s tactic of staying strategic in defense efforts and delaying difficult fights until timing is favorable. This pattern supports the idea that Topuria might use selective matchmaking to maintain his position.
The lightweight division remains volatile as all contenders jockey for position. Tsarukyan’s financial wager and vocal challenges have intensified attention, but the pathway to an official title fight depends largely on Topuria’s willingness to accept risks and the outcomes of upcoming bouts in the division.
Tsarukyan’s Rising Profile and Future Prospects in the UFC
Backed by his recent impressive victories, Tsarukyan is regarded as a skilled all-around fighter, blending striking and wrestling. His ability to maintain championship weight and his readiness as a backup fighter underline his serious commitment to a title run.
His willingness to publicly challenge Topuria and involve significant money demonstrates a calculated approach to forcing the UFC’s matchmaking decisions. As the division evolves, Tsarukyan remains a key figure to watch in the lightweight title race, with his confidence amplified by support from analysts and his growing fan base.
Whether or not Topuria accepts Tsarukyan’s challenge soon, this rivalry has elevated the stakes in the division and set the stage for a potentially high-profile bout in the near future. Fans and insiders alike are anticipating moves from both fighters as they solidify their paths forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?
A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is a mixed martial artist from Georgia and Spain. He fights in the Lightweight class for the UFC and is the UFC Lightweight Champion.
Q. What does Ilia Topuria’s wife do?
A. Ilia Topuria’s partner is Giorgina Uzcategui Badell. She has experience in sales and marketing, having worked at the Sanclemente Group. Giorgina also worked as a Social Media Marketing and Fashion Influencer at Aurate New York. In 2020, she began a new role as a Licensed Real Estate Agent at Douglas Elliman Real Estate.