The presence of Arman Tsarukyan on various social media platforms has been raising quite a buzz among MMA followers. Lately, there has been a clear indication of whom he sees as challengers in his path ahead. He pointedly identified Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria as the fighters he might face next. Giving it a twist, he mocked Topuria in particular for his consistent issue with maintaining the correct fighting weight.
Known as ‘El Matador’, Topuria shifted his focus to the lightweight category, relinquishing his title in the featherweight division. The reason cited for such a move was the struggle he faced in controlling his weight. Still, his tracing shadows from the past followed him to his most recent event, UFC 317.
During the UFC 317, authorities initially declared Topuria weighing 155.5 lbs, which is over the accepted limit for a championship bout. However, it was confirmed later that Topuria did meet the cut off at 155 lbs. Tsarukyan saw this as an opportunity to call Topuria out by reinforcing the weight issues that seem to recur in his career.
Direct in his approach, the Armenian fighter utilized social media platforms to share snapshots of earlier incidents of Topuria failing to meet the required weight. In one such post captioned on X, Tsarukyan wrote: ‘Topuria seems to have a consistent pattern of missing weight. Thus, it’s hard for us to buy stories about him competing with a single arm. Also, wasn’t it you who withdrew from fighting with Charles Jourdain, hermanito?’
Tsarukyan, seemingly unfiltered, enumerated every occurrence that included Topuria’s reported weight misses. It’s still uncertain how Topuria will respond to these allegations, but it certainly adds to the anticipation of an intense exchange between these two fighters, should he choose to.
A formidable verbal volley could be in store if the current situation escalitates, further heating up the rivalry. Veteran UFC fighter and commentator Chael Sonnen sees a missing piece in Ilia Topuria’s grand pursuit for the BMF title. After securing the two-division champion title by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, Sonnen believes Topuria should be boasting a trio of belts by now.
Taking into account Topuria’s triumph over Max Holloway, the reigning BMF champion, Sonnen noted that the title should have been a part of the stakes during the UFC 308 match-up. In an assertive tone, Sonnen commented, ‘This guy should essentially be the holder of three championship titles. Ilia Topuria should be displaying two of them on his shoulders and one on his waist.’
The brilliance displayed by Topuria in recent performances is validating the bold pre-match predictions he’s been known to make. Many UFC enthusiasts are starting to acknowledge his journey as one of the most astounding in UFC history.
His shift to the lightweight category has stoked the anticipation of fans who can’t wait to see what sparks he will ignite in this new division. These progressed and upcoming events have definitely caught the attention of UFC followers that are keenly looking forward to more high-voltage fights.