Arman Tsarukyan thinks Ilia Topuria is avoiding him because he is aware of how challenging he is.
Tsarukyan is currently the top contender after defeating Charles Oliveira via split decision in April 2024. He will now face Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar, but ailments have kept him out of action.
As long as Topuria doesn’t continue to shun him, Tsarukyan feels he should be given another chance at the title if he wins.
“Paddy cannot defeat Ilia in any way.” For the time being, I am the only player in our division capable of defeating Ilia,” Tsarukyan told Ariel Helwani on Tuesday. And everyone is aware of that. Even the UFC is aware of this, which is why they are making every effort to push him. They will no longer be able to avoid me if I go and do really well and finish Hooker.
Although Topuria has not yet scheduled his next bout, it is probable that he will take on Justin Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett.
Ilia Topuria thinks he must complete Dan Hooker
Waiting for the winner is an option for anyone does not receive the Topuria battle. To demonstrate that he is worthy of a shot at the title, Arman Tsarukyan intends to make a statement by finishing Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar.
“I have to, I have to show that I will fight for the title and I deserve to be there… I know right now I had a problem with my back and a lot of rumors, this, that,” Tsarukyan said. “But, I feel very good, just going there to do my job and I don’t care what they think about my performance.”
Back in January, Tsarukayn was scheduled to compete against Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311. But he had to withdraw the day before the fight due to a back issue. Although he did weigh in as a backup fighter at UFC 317, he hasn’t competed since.
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