Ilia Topuria downplays challenger, stating she would knock him out 'easily' in a potential UFC fight.

Ilia Topuria is a former featherweight champion (Photo / Reproduction Instagram UFC)

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Ilia Topuria demonstrates extreme confidence in his abilities and knockout power should he face Arman Tsarukyan in the UFC octagon. Currently away from his career to attend to personal matters, the Spaniard doesn't yet know when or against whom he will return, but he assures that he has complete conviction about the outcome of a potential duel with the Armenian.

The statement came after a fan questioned whether Topuria could knock out Tsarukyan in a potential fight. Without hesitation, the Spaniard responded directly, assuring that he would win the fight easily.

"Easy," wrote Ilia Topuria in her reply.

Easy

— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) January 16, 2026

Ilia Topuria promises award for best knockout in 2026.

Ilia Topuria poses with two UFC belts after her victory against Charles Oliveira . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

Despite only stepping into the octagon once last year, Ilia Topuria made history by winning his second Ultimate belt by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. The victory also earned him the award for best knockout of the year 2025; however, according to the Spaniard, his success doesn't stop there.

In a post on 'X', Topuria celebrated the recognition and made a point of promising to repeat the feat in the 2026 season.

"The award for best knockout of the year 2026 will also be mine," wrote Ilia Topuria.

The award for the best knockout of the year in 2026 will also be mine 🌹 https://t.co/9RwokDOGzF

— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) January 16, 2026

Ilia Topuria is taking a break from her UFC career.

Ilia Topuria is undefeated in MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @iliatopuria

Current UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is still far from defending his title in the division. The Spaniard announced a break from his career to resolve personal issues, and as a result, the UFC moved forward by scheduling the fight between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje as the main event of UFC 324, valid for the interim lightweight belt.

The expectation is that 'El Matador' will return to the octagon to face the winner of the duel, in a title unification fight.

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