Arman Tsarukyan Calls Out Ilia Topuria After UFC 317: "I’ll Finish Him — and He Knows It"

After Ilia Topuria claimed the vacant UFC lightweight title by demolishing Charles Oliveira in the first round at UFC 317, his attention shifted not to top contenders, but to showmanship — targeting Paddy Pimblett. However, elite lightweight Arman Tsarukyan believes the reason is simple: Topuria is dodging real threats.

Tsarukyan, who was cage-side in Las Vegas as the backup fighter, issued a bold statement on social media:

“It should’ve never been Oliveira. I’m finishing Ilia — that’s a fact. And he knows it. That’s why he’s looking for shortcuts,” Tsarukyan wrote on X.

After the resounding win, Topuria faced off with Pimblett and even shoved him during their exchange, teasing a potential high-profile clash. This scenario risks sidelining not only Tsarukyan but also former interim champion Justin Gaethje.

Despite this, Arman stands firm: the Spanish champion fears real competition. Although Tsarukyan previously withdrew from a UFC 311 bout with Islam Makhachev due to a back injury during his weight cut, he still considers himself the true No.1 contender.

UFC President Dana White, however, had a different view. At the post-fight press conference following UFC 317, he suggested Tsarukyan may have lost his shot:

“This wasn’t a return to title contention. He had a chance — and he missed weight. You can’t screw it up like that. But he showed up and made weight as the backup — that’s a step in the right direction,” White said.

Meanwhile, new drama brews in the lightweight division: the champion, a showman, and a silent predator at the top — all heading toward an inevitable collision. And Arman Tsarukyan has no plans to be left out.