Tsarukyan explains why Topuria should fight Makhachev before him

Arman Tsarukyan has stepped forward to publicly explain why he believes Ilia Topuria deserves the next lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev ahead of himself, laying out his reasoning on the preferred order of contention at 155 pounds.

Tsarukyan, ranked first in the lightweight division at 29 years old, carries a 23-3 record and trains out of American Top Team. The Armenian-Russian fighter is a relentless volume striker and a capable grappler, averaging 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy while also posting an impressive 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes. Despite holding the top contender spot, he has publicly argued that the queue should move in a different direction before his own shot arrives.

Topuria, ranked second at lightweight and sitting at number one in the pound-for-pound rankings, holds a 17-1 record and is just 29 years old. The Spain-based Georgian fighter, known as El Matador, is one of the most dangerous finishers in the sport, producing 4.81 significant strikes per minute. His case for a title shot is built on both his ranking and his elite finishing ability.

Standing in the way of both men is lightweight and welterweight champion Islam Makhachev of Russia, who holds a 28-1 record at 34 years old. The Eagles MMA product is a methodical and dominant champion, landing 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and boasting a striking accuracy of 58 percent.

Why it matters

• Tsarukyan holds the number one contender spot yet is publicly backing Topuria's claim ahead of his own, a rare stance that reshapes the division's pecking order
• Topuria's pound-for-pound ranking and finishing credentials make him a credible rival claimant despite sitting one spot below Tsarukyan in the divisional rankings
• Makhachev's dominance across two divisions means the lightweight title picture involves multiple elite challengers with legitimate cases