UFC Legend Feels Arman Tsarukyan Earned His Shot, But Ilia Topuria Chasing Fame Over Rankings
Arman Tsarukyan has beaten some of the top names in the UFC, including Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush. But despite his impressive run inside the octagon, it seems Ilia Topuria isn’t too keen on facing him for the title. Now, Daniel Cormier has addressed this, explaining why, even though Tsarukyan deserves a title shot, he might not get it.
In his recent YouTube video, Cormier says Tsarukyan deserves a title shot more than Paddy Pimblett or even Justin Gaethje. But he also understands why it might not happen now. From Ilia Topuria’s side, fighting someone with a bigger fanbase, like Pimblett, makes more sense. Cormier adds that past last-minute changes and fight pullouts at UFC 309 have made fighters more careful. For Topuria, the only clear option right now is Islam Makhachev.
He said, “All the blames can be cast on the Topuria side because he has reason. I love Arman. I think he’s the man. I think he is the just number one contender, and I think he should have the opportunity to fight for the belt. He has earned that. He has earned that more than Paddy has at this point. He has earned that more than Justin has at this point.”
—-On today’s episode, I talk about what Mike and Paul had to say about Illia. I get it but I don’t believe it’s as cut and dry and people think. Only person Illia actually needs right now is Islam. Everyone else is about the same sales. Live at 5pm eastern/2pm pacific at my… pic.twitter.com/O8KGXvcg3t
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 31, 2025
Cormier believes that unless the UFC offers Topuria a fight with Makhachev, he’ll keep avoiding Tsarukyan. It’s the usual case of rankings vs popularity, and right now, popularity is winning.
Ilia Topuria Doesn’t Want To Fight Against Arman Tsarukyan
Topuria recently made it clear he has no plans to fight Tsarukyan for the lightweight title. During a conversation with the Nelk Boys, the undefeated champ shut down the idea entirely. He said, “I’m never gonna give him a chance. If that’s the case then take my belt.” Instead, Topuria seems more focused on high-profile matchups, even if that means avoiding the toughest challengers. For now, a Tsarukyan title shot seems out of the picture.
White said Arman Tsarukyan must prove himself again before earning a title shot. A fight with Dan Hooker could be the right step in that direction. It’s a high-risk, high-reward matchup for both. Tsarukyan gets a chance to build his case with another strong win, while Hooker finally gets the top-tier opponent he’s been asking for.
Also Read: Ilia Topuria Questions Max Holloway’s BMF Status: “I Caught You”
UFC Legend Feels Arman Tsarukyan Earned His Shot, But Ilia Topuria Chasing Fame Over Rankings
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