{"id":635740,"date":"2025-10-09T13:05:09","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T12:05:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/?p=635740"},"modified":"2025-10-09T13:06:06","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T12:06:06","slug":"arman-tsarukyan-dismisses-the-lightweight-division-as-pretenders-believes-ufc-is-shielding-ilia-topuria-from-him","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/arman-tsarukyan-dismisses-the-lightweight-division-as-pretenders-believes-ufc-is-shielding-ilia-topuria-from-him\/","title":{"rendered":"Arman Tsarukyan Dismisses The Lightweight Division As Pretenders; Believes UFC Is Shielding Ilia Topuria From Him"},"content":{"rendered":"

Arman Tsarukyan has been knocking on the door of a title shot for what feels like forever. The lightweight contender earned his number one ranking by beating Charles Oliveira in a split decision back in April 2024. That victory should have locked in a championship opportunity, but injuries derailed his momentum.<\/p>

The Armenian fighter made bold claims during a recent interview stating that he’s the only person who can beat Ilia Topuria right now. That’s a massive statement considering how dominant the former featherweight champion has looked in his recent performances. His confidence borders on arrogance, but at least he backs it up with legitimate skills and wins.<\/p>

Arman Tsarukyan Says He’s The Only Real Threat<\/h2>

When Ariel Helwani asked about potential matchups for Ilia Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan didn’t hold back his opinion. He flat-out said he’s the only fighter who can beat Topuria in the division right now. Tsarukyan believes everyone knows this, including the UFC <\/a>brass, which is why they’re pushing other contenders ahead of him. He suggested the promotion is deliberately avoiding the matchup because they know how dangerous he is for their new star. That’s a conspiracy theory that might actually hold some water given how matchmaking sometimes works.<\/p>

“No way (Paddy can beat Ilia). I’m the only one that can beat Ilia, for now, in our division. And everybody knows that. Even the UFC knows that, that’s why they’re trying to push him as much as possible… If I go and perform very well and finish Hooker, they can not avoid me anymore.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

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A post shared by MMA Pros Pick (@mma.pros.pick)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>