Tensions are escalating between UFC 317 main event participant Ilia Topuria and backup fighter Arman Tsarukyan.
Arman Tsarukyan is ready to step into the Octagon to challenge Ilia Topuria for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 if anything prevents Charles Oliveira from competing this week.
Topuria and Oliveira are set to headline UFC 317 in Las Vegas this Saturday for the UFC’s vacant lightweight championship. Tsarukyan will be on standby as the main event backup in case either fighter withdraws.
Tsarukyan is keen for another opportunity at the lightweight belt after withdrawing from a fight at UFC 311 on short notice due to a back injury. His willingness to accept the UFC 317 backup role underscores his determination to re-enter the lightweight title picture.
Arman Tsarukyan Criticizes Ilia Topuria for Doubting His UFC 317 Backup Role
However, Topuria expressed his view that Tsarukyan is making a significant error by integrating himself into UFC 317 fight week activities.
In a recent interview, Topuria sharply criticized Tsarukyan for agreeing to be the backup fighter for UFC 317.
“That’s a poor choice for him,” Topuria stated regarding Tsarukyan’s decision.
“I don’t understand why he agreed, because you shouldn`t just show up as a backup. I`m not sure how he`s even trained for this fight? If something happens to someone, even me—though I don`t think anything will happen to me, but who knows? You never know what tomorrow holds,” Topuria continued. “Even against Charles, he’d face considerable difficulty. And against me? He stands no chance. Zero chance. First round. Within the first few minutes of the fight. What would he even attempt? Go for takedowns? Come on, man.”
Tsarukyan quickly responded to Topuria’s comments in a recent social media post.
“You had better hope nothing happens to Charles, because I am the worst possible opponent for you in this weight class,” Tsarukyan posted. “There is a reason you are fighting the fighter I already defeated, and not me, for that championship.”
Tsarukyan has not competed since his victory over Oliveira at UFC 300 last year. He was scheduled to face Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, but a last-minute back injury forced his withdrawal from the card.
UFC CEO Dana White and the promotion prefer Tsarukyan to secure at least one more victory before making another strong claim for a title shot. Potential matchups against Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje are possibilities for Tsarukyan`s next fight, assuming he is not needed this weekend.
Potential Rivalry for Topuria After UFC 317 Victory
If Topuria secures the win at UFC 317, he might challenge a long-standing adversary for his initial lightweight title defense.
Topuria and Pimblett have had a contentious relationship for years, stemming from their altercation at a fighter hotel in 2022. Pimblett recently defeated Michael Chandler at UFC 314, establishing himself as a rising contender in the lightweight division.
However, Topuria believes Pimblett needs to defeat another top contender before they settle their unresolved issues. He suggested Pimblett face Justin Gaethje, whom he described as the `easiest` challenge in the lightweight division, possibly in a fight to determine the next title challenger.
Jack Thornley