Arman Tsarukyan has expressed interest in fighting featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, stating he would like to step in if Justin Gaethje withdraws and that his goal is to "kick Topuria out of the UFC." The lightweight contender also outlined his long-term ambitions, saying he won't stop until he has at least five successful title defenses at 155 pounds. Meanwhile, Merab Dvalishvili clarified he has no issues with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, whom he specifically dislikes, while emphasizing healthy competition among fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. Topuria responded by calling Tsarukyan "incredibly stupid" and making derogatory comments. The summary also mentions Benoit Saint-Denis announcing a fight with Paddy Pimblett and Bogdan Guskov declining a bout.
Arman Tsarukyan has set his sights on featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, publicly stating he would step in to fight him should Justin Gaethje pull out of their scheduled bout. The Armenian lightweight contender went further, declaring his intention to "kick Topuria out of the UFC" and outlining a long-term ambition to defend the 155-pound title at least five times once he captures it.
Tsarukyan is one of the most dangerous contenders in the lightweight division and has made no secret of his desire to dominate the weight class for years to come. His callout of Topuria signals a willingness to cross divisional lines if the opportunity presents itself.
Topuria, now listed at 17-1-0 and ranked number two pound-for-pound, recently made the move up to lightweight after his featherweight reign. The 29-year-old Spaniard is one of the most active strikers in the sport, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute with a finishing rate that has defined his rise. He responded to Tsarukyan's comments by calling the contender "incredibly stupid," making clear the two share no goodwill.
Merab Dvalishvili also weighed in on regional rivalries, stating he has no quarrel with fighters from Dagestan broadly but singled out bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov as someone he specifically dislikes. Nurmagomedov, 30, carries a 20-1-0 record and ranks second in the bantamweight division, averaging over four takedowns per 15 minutes and landing strikes at 56 percent accuracy. Dvalishvili framed the broader dynamic between fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan as healthy competition rather than conflict.
Separately, Benoit Saint-Denis has announced a fight with Paddy Pimblett, who enters that contest at 23-4-0 and ranked sixth in the lightweight division. The 31-year-old Liverpudlian averages 5.49 significant strikes per minute and carries a 73-inch reach.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan targeting Topuria could create a cross-divisional lightweight title picture with major implications at 155 pounds
- Topuria at 17-1-0 and ranked number one pound-for-pound represents the biggest possible name Tsarukyan could call out
- The Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov tension adds a competitive edge to the bantamweight division's top rankings
- The Saint-Denis versus Pimblett booking shakes up the lightweight contender picture at the top fifteen
