Arman Tsarukyan thinks Ilia Topuria will be the next contender for the UFC lightweight belt.
Dana White has declared that a new UFC Featherweight Champion would be chosen from the main event of UFC 314. The start of Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes will formally remove Topuria from the 145-pound gold. In order to advance to the lightweight division, Topuria decided to give up the featherweight title.
Although many believe that Topuria will face Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound title right away, White has stated that Makhachev has numerous possibilities.
Tsarukyan believes Topuria has a chance to win the UFC Lightweight Title
During an interview with The Schmo, Arman Tsarukyan shared his belief that Ilia Topuria is destined to challenge Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound gold (via MMAJunkie).
“I think so,” Tsarukyan said on Ilia Topuria being next for Makhachev. “And I’m open for everybody from the top five. I don’t want to fight someone from the top 10 because I’m the No. 1 contender, and I’ve got to fight for the title.”
The top five rankings in the UFC lightweight class will be of particular interest to Tsarukyan. “Akhalkalakets” isn’t too impressed with other bouts, such Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett.
“I don’t know. They’re both not good, so I don’t follow them,” Tsarukyan told The Schmo. “It’s like a 50-50 fight. It’s just a hype fight. I don’t watch their fights because they’re not on my level. It’s top-five fighters or real contenders’ fights.”
At UFC 311, Tsarukyan was slated to face Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight Title. A back issue prompted the Armenian to withdraw from the fight prior to the weigh-ins. Dana White has stated unequivocally that Tsarukyan will not be Makhachev’s next opponent.
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