Arman Tsarukyan has to admit he was impressed by Ilia Topuria.
This past Saturday, Topuria claimed the vacant lightweight title with a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 317. It was the outcome Topuria predicted before the fight, and one many believed would happen, but was nevertheless impressive, especially to Tsarukyan who was sitting cageside.
“I was impressed because it happened in the first round,” Tsarukyan told Daniel Cormier on his YouTube channel. “But I knew he has one of the best boxing in our division, right now. His best weapon is boxing. When he knocked him out like that, I was surprised. He just fold straight. It was a good knockout.”
And for Tsarukyan, that was exactly what he wanted.
“When the fight started, I wanted Topuria to win, because, for me, it’s easier to fight Topuria than Oliveira,” Tsarukyan said. “For my style. Because I like to take down people. When you take down Charles Oliveira, he can still choke you or do submissions. Topuria is going to try to get up. He’s going to defend. And then you can just go 1000 times to take him down because there’s no problems on the ground. He’s not going to try to choke you or something.”
But for as much as he appreciated Topuria’s performance, Tsarukyan was less of a fan of what came next.
During his post-fight speech, Topuria called out Paddy Pimblett, who was sitting cageside as well, and who UFC commentator Joe Rogan invited into the cage for an impromptu face off. After the event, UFC CEO Dana White said that never should have happened, and Tsarukyan agrees.
“It was a Joe Rogan mistake,” Tsarukyan said. “Joe Rogan called him. It was a Joe Rogan mistake, and he shouldn’t even call his name and bring him to the octagon. He called out Paddy to come to the octagon. I was surprised, but when Dana said, ‘It shouldn’t be like that,’ I said, OK, hopefully he’s not fighting for the title. …
“For 20, 30 minutes I was, of course, upset, because I said, ‘This is not sport, this is WWE. They can do whatever they want to do,’” Tsarukyan continued. “I’ve been fighting with everybody and had a good winning streak with top fighters. But then, when I listened to Dana’s interview about Paddy, I said, OK, hopefully he’s not fighting for the title. They must put me on the title because I’m No. 1 contender, most deserving fighter right now. After me, they can fight. But next it’s me, for sure.”
It’s unclear who will get the first crack at Topuria’s new title, with Tsarukyan, Pimblett, and even Justin Gaethje all in the mix as possible next contenders. But Tsarukyan knows he’s the one to stop the incredible run Topuria is on right now.
“He never fought with wrestlers like me, who know freestyle wrestling,” Tsarukyan said. “… Bryce Mitchell, as the worst fighter at 145, he took him down and held him. He got his single-leg and even he took him down, and he couldn’t escape. He was pulling guard. If you’re good on the ground, you never pull guard. You’re trying to sweep or get up from there. I can tell he’s not high level.”
TOP STORIES
GOAT? Matt Brown: If Ilia Topuria beats Arman Tsarukyan next, he’s reaching ‘Jon Jones level greatness’ already.
Criticism. Paddy Pimblett criticizes ‘amateur’ Charles Oliveira after UFC 317 loss: ‘What the f*ck was that game plan?’
Beef. Piers Morgan, Dillon Danis mock Jake Paul threatening to file lawsuits over legitimacy of his boxing career.
Boxing. Jake Paul officially ranked as cruiserweight in latest WBA rankings.
Ouch. Nikolas Motta shows off fractured jaw X-rays after memorable UFC clash: ‘F*ck that one hurt.’
Abu Dhabi. UFC 321 official for Abu Dhabi return in October.
VIDEO STEW
Between the Links.
Every two-division champion in UFC history.
Belal Muhammad reacts to UFC 317.
FLAVOR IN YOUR EAR
Fighter vs. Writer.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Beef.
Running from the real contender only proves one thing – you’re scared. Deep down, you know exactly what happens if you ever step in there with me @Topuriailia https://t.co/nud1L5FVdm
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) July 1, 2025
On a side note, Dan Hooker is still a bitch. Just thought that needed to be said.
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) July 1, 2025
You’re a human side note
Number 1 contender no one gives a fuck about. https://t.co/0bZl3F0bea
— Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) July 1, 2025
Paddy Pimblett shutting down the rumor mill.
Yous are mad if you think I’m fighting in August
— Paddy Pimblett (@PaddyTheBaddy) July 1, 2025
Man wants in.
This is the card i always asked the UFC to be part…please guys, put me there. Can be against anyone: Volkov, Aspinall, Gane, anyone… @Mickmaynard2 @danawhite https://t.co/nw6eEOqV68
— Jailton Almeida “Malhadinho” (@Malhadinho_UFC) July 1, 2025
Interesting times in the division, almost everyone doesn’t have a fight scheduled. How would you match everyone up? pic.twitter.com/9CQ3W6qVBQ
— Rafael “Ataman” Fiziev (@RafaelFiziev) July 2, 2025
Jackets.
Rockin my new UFC Letterman jacket for 50 straight clean tests! Big thanks to Donna Marcolini and Jeff Novitzky for keeping the sport legit. Jeff, what’s the prize at 100? #UFC #CleanSport pic.twitter.com/X5kGhNek0U
— JOSH EMMETT (@JoshEmmettUFC) July 1, 2025
Tony being Tony.
“Breakin’ A Wave”
When In Thailand
⚔️ ️ -CSO- # A Stoney Beach Makes For Good Balance pic.twitter.com/7v6ujnySH6— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) July 1, 2025
UFC BJJ.
How would this one go down?
A clash in the bowl appears inevitable between Andrew Tackett and Renato Canuto!
[ #UFCBJJ2 || JULY 31 ] pic.twitter.com/yq5PImsJZy— UFC BJJ (@ufcbjj) July 1, 2025
FINAL THOUGHTS
Man, I would love a Topuria vs. Tsarukyan matchup. That’s the good stuff. But I seriously doubt we get it next, and kinda doubt we ever get it.
EXIT POLL
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