'I Can Take Him Down...': Arman Tsarukyan Warns Ilia Topuria Ahead Of Potential Fight For UFC Lightweight Title; Video

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has issued a bold warning to newly crowned champion Ilia Topuria, declaring that both he and former titleholder Islam Makhachev pose serious stylistic challenges for the undefeated Spaniard. Tsarukyan’s comments come shortly after Topuria’s emphatic victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, where he claimed the lightweight belt.

Speaking at a HypeFighting press conference, Tsarukyan questioned the level of grappling competition Topuria has faced so far. “Topuria hasn’t fought good wrestlers. He only fought Bryce Mitchell, and he took him down and held him there,” Tsarukyan stated. “I know for sure that wrestlers like Islam and I can take him down and control him on the ground.”

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Arman Tsarukyan calls himself and Islam Makhachev major problems for Ilia Topuria 👀

“Topuria hasn’t fought good wrestlers. He only fought Bryce Mitchell, and he took him down and held him there,” Tsarukyan said at a HypeFighting press conference. “I know for sure that wrestlers… pic.twitter.com/qBDkCcrd1N

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 16, 2025

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Tsarukyan, who has climbed steadily through the lightweight ranks with impressive wins and relentless wrestling, appears to be one of the top contenders in line to challenge Topuria next. The Georgian-born Spanish champion, known for his crisp striking and unbeaten record, now faces a new wave of challengers with elite grappling pedigrees.

Meanwhile, former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, widely regarded as one of the best wrestlers in the division, is being linked to a potential move up to welterweight. Talks have surfaced about a future superfight with Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC Welterweight title.

With the UFC lightweight landscape shifting rapidly, fans could soon see a stylistic clash between Topuria’s striking finesse and Tsarukyan’s wrestling dominance, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in the octagon.

UFC: Lightweight Contender Arman Tsarukyan Accidentally Kicks Coach Out Of Cage During Training Session; Video

UFC fighter Arman Tsarukyan had a funny moment during training when he accidentally kicked his coach out of the cage. While practicing a spinning back kick, Tsarukyan hit his coach in the stomach. The cage door was left open, and the coach flew out of it and landed on the floor.

The coach was wearing safety gear and was not hurt. Tsarukyan shared the video on Instagram and joked, “Can somebody please keep the cage closed.”

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A post shared by Arman Tsarukyan (@arm_011)

Tsarukyan has had a tough year. He missed a title fight due to injury and is now waiting for his next chance to compete. He’s training with Khamzat Chimaev in California and could fight someone like Ilia Topuria, Paddy Pimblett, Dan Hooker, or Justin Gaethje soon.