Arman Tsarukyan, currently ranked among the top five lightweight contenders, is pushing hard for a title shot as he rides a winning streak in the UFC. However, Ilia Topuria, the newly crowned lightweight champion, has shown reluctance to face Tsarukyan anytime soon. This refusal has frustrated Tsarukyan, prompting him to escalate his criticism by involving former double champion Conor McGregor in their ongoing feud through social media mockery.
Before Topuria’s rise, Conor McGregor was known as a dominant force marked by his power, confidence, and charismatic presence inside the octagon. Topuria once admired McGregor, aspiring to follow in his footsteps and become a double champion like the Irish fighter. Since joining the UFC, Topuria has faced numerous accusations from fans and rivals alike, claiming he mimics McGregor’s persona—from his trash talking to his fashion choices and walkouts. Tsarukyan recently intensified these claims with a pointed social media post comparing their appearances and mannerisms.
Tsarukyan Mocks Topuria’s Imitation of McGregor’s Style
In a viral Instagram post, Arman Tsarukyan shared a meme that highlighted the similarities between Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria, focusing on their tattoos, hairstyles, outfits, and public gestures. Tsarukyan zeroed in on their identical tattoo placements and signature smirks used during pre-fight press conferences, humorously labeling Topuria as the “Alibaba version of McGregor.”
Who’s gonna tell him he looks like the Alibaba version of McGregor.
—Arman Tsarukyan via Instagram
Tsarukyan’s pointed comparison drew immediate attention from the UFC community, sparking conversations about how closely Topuria’s behavior and image echo McGregor’s prime fighting days. Beyond mere aesthetic critiques, Tsarukyan also openly questioned Topuria’s wrestling skills and challenged his undefeated streak, even escalating the tension by publicly offering a bold $500,000 bet to pressure the champion into agreeing to a fight.
This animosity between Tsarukyan and Topuria has garnered support from some experts like Sean O’Malley, who views Tsarukyan as the most significant threat in the division. Such opinions might explain Topuria’s hesitance to accept the matchup, adding intrigue to the lightweight title picture.
Additional Contenders Echo Accusations and Stir Tensions
Tsarukyan is not alone in accusing Topuria of copying McGregor’s persona. Paddy Pimblett, another prominent lightweight contender, has also criticized Topuria for unsuccessfully emulating McGregor’s style. Pimblett’s rivalry with Topuria intensified following a heated face-off, creating an atmosphere many fans believe should be settled inside the octagon. Despite the number of viable challengers, the UFC has yet to announce the first title defense for Topuria since he claimed the lightweight belt.
Topuria’s Rise and Challenge from Former Champion Max Holloway
Ilia Topuria secured the lightweight championship by delivering a knockout victory over Charles Oliveira, demonstrating his striking power and improving his knockout streak. Before that, Topuria made history by becoming the first fighter to knock out Max Holloway, a legendary figure in the featherweight division. These consecutive high-profile wins elevated Topuria’s reputation, establishing him as both a dangerous finisher and a top pound-for-pound contender.
Max Holloway, however, staged an impressive comeback by defeating Dustin Poirier in Poirier’s retirement fight, proving that he remains a formidable competitor. Holloway expressed a strong desire for a rematch against Topuria, emphasizing the importance of legacy in their careers.
We are in the entertainment business right? But it comes down to its legacy. You know what I mean. Like if he can wants to continue to build his legacy of what he has, I’m here right now. You did what you did once, the greats will do it twice.
—Max Holloway via YouTube
Holloway believes that a second fight against Topuria is vital for both men to solidify their legacies and that such a contest would draw considerable pay-per-view interest. He argues that when it comes to producing exciting, memorable bouts, few fighters can match his style, which has endeared him to fans worldwide.
Holloway’s aggressive stand-and-bang approach during his peak years helped him earn a passionate fanbase, and a rematch with Topuria could rekindle that energy within the lightweight division. Whether the UFC prioritizes this profitable fight remains uncertain, as they weigh other contenders and potential matchups for the champion’s next defense.
The Stakes and Future of the Lightweight Championship
With several top contenders vying for the belt, the lightweight division stands at a pivotal crossroads. Tsarukyan’s public calls for a fight and the high-profile challenge from Holloway position Topuria in a pressure cooker situation where every decision will affect the division’s hierarchy. Tsarukyan’s provocative social media statements, combined with Pimblett’s confrontations, keep the spotlight on Topuria’s reign and the legitimacy of his title defenses.
Ilia Topuria’s ability to establish himself beyond his perceived McGregor imitation and prove his skills in the octagon will define his legacy. Fans and experts alike await whether these rivalries will culminate in definitive fights that shape the future of the lightweight class.