Mixed martial arts fighter Arman Tsarukyan has once again shared his perspective on a potential superfight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria.
A highly anticipated clash between Makhachev and Topuria might materialize later this year, a possibility hinted at by Makhachev’s manager. Before that, the current lightweight champion is scheduled to defend his title against interim champion Justin Gaethje on June 14.
Meanwhile, Makhachev is reportedly set to make his first welterweight title defense in August, with rumors suggesting Ian Machado Garry as his opponent.
Arman Tsarukyan’s Verdict: Islam Makhachev Beats Ilia Topuria in Any Weight Class
Arman Tsarukyan firmly believes that Islam Makhachev possesses the ability to defeat Ilia Topuria regardless of the day or weight class.
During a recent conversation with streamers Adin Ross and N3on, when N3on inquired, “Who do you anticipate will win between Ilia [Topuria] and Islam [Makhachev]?”
“Islam [Makhachev].”
Adin Ross, chiming in, suggested that Makhachev would likely win at welterweight, but at 155 pounds, “El Matador” (Topuria) would have a significant advantage against the Dagestani wrestling master. Despite this, Arman Tsarukyan maintained his conviction that Makhachev would emerge victorious, asserting that weight categories are irrelevant.
Arman Tsarukyan Rejects Friendship with Ilia Topuria Until After the Fight
Adin Ross expressed a desire for Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria to reconcile.
Ross suggested that Tsarukyan and Topuria should put their differences aside, believing they could become good friends. However, Tsarukyan emphatically stated that any reconciliation would only occur after their fight:
“After [the] fight, I will stop beefing with Ilia Topuria.”
Sources indicate that Tsarukyan is expected to challenge the victor of the hypothetical Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje bout. Nonetheless, discussions have emerged that Topuria, following a successful lightweight title defense, might ascend to 170 pounds to face Makhachev, aiming for championship status across three divisions. This scenario could potentially preclude a future Topuria vs. Tsarukyan showdown.
For the time being, the Armenian fighter intends to serve as a backup for the upcoming lightweight title unification match.