The animosity between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan is more intense than people think.
Both fighters have gone back and forth many times.
The Spanish fighter believes it’s a disastrous move for Arman Tsarukyan to be considered as the backup fighter because Topuria feels Arman has no chance against him or Charles Oliveira. The highly anticipated lightweight title clash is scheduled to take place this Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena.
Ilia Topuria’s Reaction
In a recent conversation with New York Post Sports, Ilia Topuria explained his disagreement with the backup fighter role for the UFC lightweight title fight.
“That’s a bad decision for him, I don’t know why he accepted, because you can’t come here as a backup fighter. I don’t know how did he train for this fight? If something happens to anyone, even to me, — think that there’s no possibility that something could happen with me, but who knows? No on knows what’s going to happen tomorrow. Even with Charles he would struggle a lot. And with me? He has no chances. No chances. First round. First minutes of the fight. What’s he going to do? Go for the takedowns. Bro, come on”.
Arman Tsarukyan Responds
The top contender was quick in his response. He tweeted the following:
You better pray nothing happens to Charles, because I’m the worst possible matchup for you in this division. There’s a reason you’re fighting the guy I already beat, and not me, for that belt. https://t.co/qXS0lImDya
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) June 24, 2025