Businessman indicates possibility of fight between Ilia Topuria (left) and Justin gaethje. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
Jorge masvidal believes that a fight between Justin gaethje e Ilia Topuria would not be competitive at all. After the Spanish win Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 317 and become the lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), the race has heated up to define who will be his next challenger. Among names like Paddy Pimblett e Arman Tsarukyan, 'The Highlight' appears as one of the favorites, something that the 'Jesus of the streets' considers a terrible idea.
In an interview with the website 'CasinoHawks', Masvidal warned that Justin gaethje would be completely dominated by Ilia Topuria, stating that the fight would be a massacre and could cause even more damage to the American. For him, despite Gaethje's popularity among fans, the fight would be unbalanced and dangerous.
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"Justin gaethje would be swept by Ilia. Don't do this, Gaethje. I know every Bud Light-drinking American loves Gaethje. But, man, you're going to get this guy hammered and even more concussed than before. He's going to come out of there looking like Homer Simpson. I think this is a terrible fight for Gaethje," he said. Jorge masvidal.
Masvidal points to Tsarukyan as the most dangerous rival for Ilia Topuria
While he doesn't believe Gaethje poses a threat to Topuria, Masvidal knows who could pose a challenge to the champion. According to the former BMF, Arman Tsarukyan has the right tools to compete with El Matador inside the UFC octagon.
“I train a lot with the Arman Tsarukyan, and I know his style well. I think he would give Ilia the best fight, probably because of his adaptability. He knows how to grapple. He strikes well standing up. He's naturally bigger than Ilia. And they have similar speeds. They're very close in speed, while Ilia seems to be pressing the fast-forward button and making everyone else seem like they're in slow motion. My partner can keep up in terms of speed. But even so, today I'd still bet on Ilia," concluded the former BMF champion.
Ilia Topuria minimizes chances of facing Arman Tsarukyan
The UFC lightweight champion insists he will not give a title shot to Arman Tsarukyan. Ilia Topuria he closed the door again in the Russian's face.
"Look, when you put so much effort into the game and there's a guy in front of you that you don't know if he can get out of the fight, that's not good for us. It's not like, 'Oh, my back!' Man, I don't care at all," he said. Ilia Topuria in an interview with the 'Nelk Boys'.
Ilia Topuria raised his voice and even said that he would rather leave the belt vacant than fight with Arman Tsarukyan.
"They're going to give him a fight before the title fight because there's no way around it. I'm the world champion, I'll never give him a chance to fight for the title. I'll be like, look, if that's the case, take my belt. I'm not doing that," Topuria said.
The response was not long in coming. Tsarukyan took to social media and, via 'X' (formerly Twitter), questioned the champion's mindset in making such statements.
"Imagine calling yourself a champion, but already looking for a way out. You can vacate it, or I'll take it. Either way, it's mine," he wrote. Arman Tsarukyan.
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