Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

“You Freeze Up Like a Scared Duck” Ilia Topuria Fires Back at Arman Tsarukyan Recent Callouts Post UFC Qatar

Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

In a display of ruthless precision, Arman Tsarukyan dismantled Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, securing a submission victory in the second round. The Armenian lightweight overwhelmed his opponent with suffocating pressure, forcing a tapout that left the crowd roaring. Fresh off the mat, Tsarukyan wasted no time turning his glaze to the top where Ilia Topuria sits at the lightweight throne.

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“Ilia said that if they give me Arman, I will leave this title. So he should leave the title,” Tsarukyan declared. After a 18-month layoff due to injury from UFC 311, Arman is ready to get the title. “I didn’t suffer any injuries… I can fly to the United States and train there; two months is enough for me to prepare,” he added, signaling that he’s ready for a showdown on January.

Ilia Topuria Fires Back With Brutal Honesty at Arman Tsarukyan

Ilia Topuria, the undisputed lightweight champ, didn’t let the callout slide. The UFC’s rising superstar unleashed a savage post on social media, exposing the tension between the two. In a post dripping with disdain, Topuria highlighted their in-person encounters and a famous backstage incident.

“Arman, every time we see each other in person you freeze up like a scared duck with no idea what to do. You know I handle you however I want. I fight whoever the UFC chooses. And remember I slapped you and you just laughed, then you go around acting like a gangster. So keep going, you’re on the right path… just a few levels below me, kid.”

Arman, every time we see each other in person you freeze up like a scared duck with no idea what to do. You know I handle you however I want. I fight whoever the UFC chooses. And remember I slapped you and you just laughed, then you go around acting like a gangster. So keep… pic.twitter.com/1O9S3PKOU1
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) November 23, 2025

The words from Ilia Topuria paints Arman Tsarukyan as all bark online but timid face-to-face. Topuria’s confidence underscores his willingness to defend the belt against anyone, but the reference reignites their brewing rivalry, turning some whispers into a full-blown feud.

Tsarukyan Wasted No Time in Responding Back to Topuria’s “Slap” Claims

Just an hour after Topuria’s response, Tsarukyan wasted no time firing back a response in just an hour. “Bro, you touched my neck like we were taking a family photo and now you’re calling it a slap online? The clip is clear – your insecurity’s even clearer. I don’t need to act tough for Twitter, my work is inside the cage. If you want to know what a real slap feels like, I’ll be happy to educate you. See you soon, El Pato.”

Bro, you touched my neck like we were taking a family photo and now you’re calling it a slap online?
The clip is clear – your insecurity’s even clearer.
I don’t need to act tough for Twitter, my work is inside the cage.
If you want to know what a real slap feels like, I’ll be… https://t.co/u0C2HGilnl
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) November 23, 2025

The Lightweight Title Puzzle: Who Faces the Matador Next

Ilia Topuria’s first lightweight title defense remains undecided at the moment. Arman Tsarukyan’s dominant submission win over Dan Hooker in Qatar and bold callout make him the top sporting the top sporting contender with his elite grappling and striking posing a real threat.

However, Paddy Pimblett offers massive PPV appeal with UK vs Spain hype and endless trash talk, while Justin Gaethje brings proven violence and fan favorite chaos. Tsarukyan represents pure competion while Pimblett and Gaethje promises spectacle. Topuria stays unfazed, ready for anyone Dana White picks.

Arman Tsarukyan

Ilia Topuria

UFC

Eric Divakaran

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