Arman Tsarukyan picks surprising name for Ilia Topuria’s next opponent
UFC fighter Arman Tsarukyan suggests that former champion Ilia Topuria should face Michael Chandler as a tune-up fight following his recent loss. Tsarukyan is currently preparing for his own high-stakes bout against Mauricio Ruffy.
Why it matters
This provides insight into the strategic matchmaking and career trajectory of top-tier UFC athletes in the lightweight division.
Arman Tsarukyan believes Ilia Topuria’s return fight will be against a well-known veteran in the lightweight division, but maybe one anyone is expecting.
In an interview on the UFC on Paramount+ YouTube channel, Tsarukyan was asked where Topuria fights in the 155-pound title picture after losing his championship and suffering his first defeat to Justin Gaethje in a shocking upset at UFC White House this past June. Topuria suffered facial injuries in the hard-fought contest and his recovery timetable is unclear, but Tsarukyan thinks Michael Chandler is a logical tune-up for Topuria before throwing Topuria back into the thick of contender race.
“He’s still recovering and probably next for him a fight with Michael Chandler and then come back and fight for the title,” Tsarukyan said, adding, “Who else? After this fight, he needs someone easy, an easy fight, and then after that fight come and fight again.”
[Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMm1tLVfBFU]
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