Charles do Bronx reveals who should challenge Ilia Topuria for the UFC belt: 'He deserves it'

Ilia Topuria x Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC Brasil

Amid growing rivalry in the UFC's lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg), Charles of the Bronx declared that Arman Tsarukyan deserves to be the next to face Ilia Topuria for the division belt. According to the former champion, the Armenian is ready and in line for the fight, especially after an injury that prevented him from fighting for the title previously.

"Arman is ranked number one and deserves this fight. He was close to fighting for the belt, but he got injured and withdrew. Now he's waiting for his chance," Charles said in an interview with Ag Fight.

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The atmosphere between Topuria and Tsarukyan, however, is far from friendly. After winning the title in UFC 317, the Georgian made it clear that he would rather give up his belt than face Tsarukyan and questioned the Armenian's commitment due to recent cancellations, including a last-minute injury against Islam makhachev. At the time, he was replaced by Renato Moicano.

Tsarukyan responded with irony and provocation, demanding that Topuria hand over the belt and accusing his rival of "running away" from the fight. In a viral video, the Armenian appears chasing a duck, playing on the term "ducking," which means "to dodge" or "escape" from a fight.

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The recent history of Charles of the Bronx against both opponents is also a relevant factor. In UFC 300, in April 2024, the Brazilian faced Tsarukyan in a close fight that ended with a split victory for the Armenian by decision of the judges.

After the fight, Tsarukyan stated that he considers Topuria an 'easier' opponent than Charles, mainly due to the Brazilian's superior grappling.

More than a year later, in UFC 317, From the Bronx had the chance to fight for the vacant lightweight belt against Ilia Topuria, who had moved up a weight class after becoming featherweight champion. The fight was short and intense: the Georgian dominated from the start, neutralizing the Brazilian's takedown attempts, and winning by brutal knockout in the first round.