Former dual department
Ultimate Fighting Championship champion plans his return after losing the lightweight title Justin Gaethje at
UFC Freedom 250.
Ilia Topuria questions Arman Tsarukyan’s striking and ground game while discussing a possible UFC lightweight matchup
Speaking Spanish outlet ABCcompared Topuria’s potential meeting with Tsarukyan Alexander Volkanovskyvictory over Movsar Evloev at
UFC 333. He thought that Tsarukyan would feel uncomfortable if his wrestling did not produce the usual results.
“Arman would be pure panic if he tried to knock you down,” Topuria said. “Like Movsar against Volk, same thing. They’re used to dominating all the time and their confidence grows through that dominance.”
Topuria distinguished Tsarukyan’s ability to secure takedowns and dominant position from his broader game.
“Arman doesn’t excel in the game,” Topuria said. “He excels in the takedowns and dominant positions he looks for.”
Topuria also cited his wrestling background as a reason for his confidence.
“I’ve been a world champion in two divisions, four world championships… I grew up wrestling and wrestling. I have more wrestling photos than playing in the park. This is my life,” Topuria added.
UFC CEO Dana White has said the promotion is targeting Topuria’s return in early 2027, although no opponent has been announced.
Ilia Topuria predicts that Arman Tsarukyan will panic if his takedown fails, drawing comparisons with Movsar Evloyev and Alexander Volkanovsky. “Arman would be in pure panic trying to take you down. Like Movsar against Volk, same thing. They’re used to dominating all the time and their confidence grows through that dominance.” Via : @abc_es / @KOLmeneroMMA
— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1)
November 7, 2026
