Arman Tsarukyan recently shared his thoughts on Ilia Topuria`s performance at UFC 317, admitting he was impressed by the new champion.
Topuria secured the vacant lightweight title by defeating Charles Oliveira via first-round knockout in the main event. The quick finish, though predicted by Topuria and others, was notable, especially for Tsarukyan, who watched from 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.”
Tsarukyan also revealed he was rooting for Topuria during the fight.
“When the fight started, I wanted Topuria to win, because, for me, it’s easier to fight Topuria than Oliveira,” Tsarukyan explained. He elaborated that his wrestling-heavy style matches up better against Topuria, who would primarily focus on defending takedowns and getting back up, unlike Oliveira, who poses a significant submission threat from the ground.
While impressed by Topuria`s victory, Tsarukyan was critical of the events that followed.
During his post-fight celebration, Topuria called out Paddy Pimblett, who was in the audience. UFC commentator Joe Rogan then invited Pimblett into the cage for an impromptu face-off. UFC CEO Dana White later stated this should not have happened, a sentiment Tsarukyan echoed.
“It was a Joe Rogan mistake,” Tsarukyan asserted. “Joe Rogan called him… and he shouldn’t even call his name and bring him to the octagon.” Tsarukyan was initially surprised, but felt validated when Dana White commented negatively on the incident. “When Dana said, ‘It shouldn’t be like that,’ I said, OK, hopefully he’s not fighting for the title.”
Tsarukyan expressed frustration at the potential implication of the incident, feeling it undermined the sport. “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,’” he stated. However, White`s reaction reassured him that the title picture might remain focused on merit. Tsarukyan firmly believes he is the most deserving contender after his recent performances. “I’ve been fighting with everybody and had a good winning streak with top fighters… 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.”
The next challenger for Topuria`s title is uncertain, with Tsarukyan, Pimblett, and even Justin Gaethje being discussed. However, Tsarukyan is confident he possesses the skills to challenge Topuria`s current momentum.
“He never fought with wrestlers like me, who know freestyle wrestling,” Tsarukyan claimed. He referenced Bryce Mitchell, noting that even a “worst fighter at 145” (Mitchell) was able to take Topuria down and control him briefly. Tsarukyan added, “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 [on the ground].”
