Michael Bisping recently suggested that the matchup between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan represents a modern-day version of the Jon Jones versus Tom Aspinall situation in the UFC. Bisping highlighted that Jones never faced Aspinall for the heavyweight title, instead choosing to fight Stipe Miocic. Because of this, fans accused Jones of avoiding the unification bout.
In a show of trolling, Aspinall carried a rubber duck to UFC events, symbolizing the “ducking” accusations against Jones. Tsarukyan mirrored this act by chasing a live duck in a video, attempting to call out Topuria. However, Topuria appears unwilling to face Tsarukyan next, even indicating he would rather vacate his title than accept the fight.
On his YouTube platform, Bisping called the situation “the new version” of the Jones-Aspinall story, directly questioning whether Topuria is avoiding Tsarukyan by “pulling a Jon Jones.” This comment sparked reactions among the UFC community, with some calling out Bisping for hypocrisy due to his own past decisions as champion.
Daniel Cormier Highlights Bisping’s Own Title Fight Choices
Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier weighed in on the debate, stating that while he agrees the Topuria vs. Tsarukyan fight should happen, he understands why Topuria may hesitate. This is partly because Tsarukyan withdrew late from a scheduled title bout against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311.
Cormier urged Bisping to show some empathy toward Topuria, reminding him of his own past situation when he avoided certain top contenders. Addressing Bisping on YouTube, Cormier said,
“Michael, Paul, I understand the frustration,”
before recounting Bisping’s choices as middleweight champion.
Cormier noted Bisping’s decision to rematch Dan Henderson late in Henderson’s career and how he passed on fighting Yoel Romero, who arguably deserved a title shot at the time. Referencing Bisping’s chase of bigger fights like Georges St-Pierre, Cormier remarked,
“The bigger fight was GSP, and you took it,”
pointing out the perceived sidestepping of Romero despite his rising UFC record.
Expressing agreement with the majority that Topuria and Tsarukyan should face off, Cormier added,
“It should be Arman vs. Ilia, and I don’t think there’s any question about that.”
Yet, he acknowledged the lasting impression made by Topuria’s previous confrontation with Paddy Pimblett, which may affect fans’ expectations and pressure on the champion.
Cormier concluded his message by reminding Bisping,
“Don’t act like you ain’t sat in this position before, Michael,”
and reiterated,
“You know exactly why he’s doing that because you did it yourself when you had a chance to fight GSP instead of Yoel Romero.”
Dana White’s Stance on Tsarukyan’s Title Shot Eligibility
After Tsarukyan backed out of UFC 311 in the main event against Islam Makhachev, forcing UFC to call Renato Moicano as a last-minute replacement, UFC President Dana White publicly declared that Tsarukyan would need to earn another chance at the lightweight title. This decision came despite Tsarukyan’s attempts to regain favor, including serving as a backup fighter during UFC 317’s headline bout between Topuria and Charles Oliveira.
White appreciated Tsarukyan’s professionalism in the backup role but made it clear that he would not grant him immediate reentry into the title picture. This ruling effectively keeps Tsarukyan on the outside, at least until he secures another significant victory to prove himself again.
Arman Tsarukyan’s Rising Profile as Topuria’s Potential Challenger
Many fans and analysts regard Arman Tsarukyan as possibly the toughest opponent standing between Ilia Topuria and undisputed dominance in the UFC lightweight division. Known for his grappling prowess, the 28-year-old contender has gained respect with consecutive wins over former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and former top contender Beneil Dariush.
This track record underscores Tsarukyan’s readiness and legitimacy as a top contender, intensifying calls for the UFC to schedule the highly anticipated clash with Topuria. The fight would settle questions about the division’s true hierarchy and provide clarity for the lightweight championship landscape.