Tsarukyan loses patience with Topuria after the champion chooses the next challenger for the UFC title.

Ilia Topuria is a rival Arman Tsarukyan. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

Arman Tsarukyan there is no doubt that Ilia Topuria He is avoiding facing him for the UFC belt. In recent days, the lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) has stated that he intends to defend his title against Paddy Pimblett or move up a category to challenge Islam makhachev in pursuit of the third belt, a statement that did not please the Armenian.

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In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tsarukyan suggested that the Spaniard was doing everything he could to avoid a direct confrontation, reinforcing the suspicion that the champion intends to postpone the duel between the two.

"Could it get any more obvious that el pato is doing everything in his power to avoid fighting me?", Tsarukyan wrote.

Could it be any more obvious that el duck is doing everything in his power to avoid fighting me? https://t.co/200p7ahsLX

— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) November 25, 2025

Who should be Ilia Topuria's first challenger in the lightweight division?

Ilia Topuria poses with two UFC belts after victory against Charles of the Bronx. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

After Ilia Topuria knock off Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 317 And to win the lightweight belt, three names stand out as the main candidates for the challenger spot: Paddy Pimblett, Justin gaethje e Arman Tsarukyaneach with solid arguments to support their position.

Paddy Pimblett, Topuria's declared rival, took the lead when he stepped into the octagon still in UFC 317 For a direct face-off with the new champion. Undefeated in the UFC and possessing enormous popular appeal, the Briton emerges as one of the strongest options to challenge for the title.

Another name being considered is Justin gaethjeThe American has already had two chances to fight for the belt, but was defeated by Charles of the Bronx e Khabib NurmagomedovDespite this, he has the influence of his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, and his good victory over [the previous winner] in his favor. Raphael Fiziev in his last performance.

Lastly, Arman Tsarukyan He appears as a legitimate alternative. Currently ranked number 1, the Armenian saw his title shot slip away when he was forced to withdraw from the fight against Islam makhachev No. UFC 311 After suffering a back injury the day before the fight, he recovered, returned to the octagon, and dominated. Dan Hooker with ease in UFC Qatar, reinforcing their arguments based on the opportunity.