MMA coach Sergei Torosyan has stated that Arman Tsarukyan would defeat both Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje by clear margins, arguing that Topuria's footwork deficiencies leave him vulnerable to a mobile, well-rounded fighter. Torosyan pointed to Tsarukyan's ability to control distance with leg kicks, tie up on the inside, and avoid getting hit at close range as the decisive advantages over both opponents. He added that in a pure striking exchange Topuria would have the edge in boxing, but once kicks are added to the equation, Tsarukyan takes over.
MMA coach Sergei Torosyan went public on June 15 with a bold claim: his fighter Arman Tsarukyan would beat both lightweight champion Justin Gaethje and second-ranked contender Ilia Topuria by clear margins.
Tsarukyan, ranked first in the lightweight division at 29 years old, carries a 23-3 record and trains out of American Top Team. The Russian fighter stands five-foot-seven with an unusually long 72-inch reach, and his output reflects a well-rounded game — averaging 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy while leading the division's contenders in grappling with 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes. Torosyan pointed specifically to Tsarukyan's leg kicks, distance management, and clinch work as the tools that would neutralize both opponents.
Gaethje holds the lightweight title at 28-5 and enters any conversation as the most dangerous striker in the weight class. The 37-year-old American lands 6.48 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy — elite numbers that reflect his pressure-forward, high-volume style. Torosyan acknowledged that standing power remains Gaethje's calling card but argued Tsarukyan's movement and kicking game would disrupt that rhythm.
Topuria, the pound-for-pound number-one fighter in the sport, sits second in the lightweight rankings with a 17-1 record. The 29-year-old Spaniard lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and also contributes on the mat at nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes. Torosyan conceded that Topuria holds a clear boxing advantage in a pure hands-only exchange but insisted that once leg kicks enter the equation, Tsarukyan takes control — pinpointing what he described as footwork deficiencies as the critical vulnerability.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top lightweight contender and a win over either man would cement his status at the division's peak
- Torosyan's tactical breakdown highlights a potential stylistic edge for Tsarukyan's reach advantage of three inches over Topuria
- The claim adds public pressure heading into any potential title or top-contender booking at 155 pounds
