Ilia Topuria explains why it’s wrong to claim Arman Tsarukyan would be his toughest fight

After he succeeded Islam Makhachev on the throne, many suggested Topuria’s first defense should come against the No. 1-ranked contender, Tsarukyan. Instead, Justin Gaethje beat Paddy Pimblett to win the interim title and set up a unification fight with ‘El Matador’.

That likely pleased the Spaniard given his past comments. While dismissing the Armenian, Topuria said he would rather vacate the title than fight Tsarukyan.

What more does Ilia Topuria have to do to enter the UFC GOAT debate? 🐐

Ilia Topuria says Arman Tsarukyan would be an ‘easy’ fight for him

Topuria’s latest comments about his lightweight rival came during an appearance on Adin Ross’ Kick stream.

The 29-year-old rejected the notion that Tsarukyan would represent his toughest test inside the Octagon.

More than that, Topuria went as far as to suggest he would enjoy an “easy” night at the office against ‘Ahalkalakets’.

“(Tsarukyan is) my toughest challenge? No way,” Topuria said. “I’ve already had my toughest challenges.

“He lost to Islam. He lost to (Mateusz) Gamrot. He got knocked out in the beginning of his career. And he doesn’t really have the ability to finish the fight. He only finishes the fights when his opponent gets tired, and he just goes on the ground and does the ground and pound and all that.

“But if he faced someone who really has that preparation, has that cardio, he doesn’t get scared if he goes to the ground, he’s going to suffer,” Topuria added.

“Arman, easy. Because he will panic. With me, he will panic. What’s he going to do? I always used to say, when I’m in training camp, I know how it feels when you feel pain. I know how it feels when you feel tired. I know how it feels when you feel like you can’t do more, and you keep doing it.

“I know about myself that there’s not a situation that I’m going to give up… You’re going to have to kill me. And you know what, I love my life, and I’m not ready to die.”

Why Ilia Topuria may never fight Arman Tsarukyan

Unfortunately for fans hoping to see the fight, Topuria’s confident remarks may never get tested inside the Octagon.

Many see a popular timeline for the Spaniard’s immediate UFC future, and Tsarukyan does not feature in it.

After returning to defend his lightweight crown for the first time in a likely unification fight against Gaethje this summer, ‘El Matador’ is widely expected to move up in weight again.

Topuria wants to become a UFC triple champion, meaning a move up to welterweight in pursuit of that historic feat could follow a potential victory over ‘The Highlight’ in the coming months.