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While Tsarukyan had long been rallying for a lightweight title shot against Ilia Topuria, he has now changed course. “Ahalkalakets” claims Topuria wants to defend his title early next year. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan hasn’t fought since April 2024 and intends to return to action sooner. After a recent discussion with Dana White, Tsarukyan is eyeing a booking at UFC 321 on Oct. 25 or UFC Qatar on Nov. 22. Potential opponents Tsarukyan is looking at are Justin Gaethje, Dan Hooker and Paddy Pimblett. But given a choice, Tsarukyan would prefer Pimblett the most.
“[Topuria] wants to come back in January or February. And I haven’t fought in a long time,” Tsarukyan told Adam Zubayraev. “So I think I’ll need to fight in October or November. And I talked to the boss yesterday. They said maybe they will set up a fight with someone. In Abu Dhabi or in Qatar… Maybe Gaethje, maybe Hooker, maybe Paddy… [most preferably] Paddy.”
Tsarukyan Lost Championship Opportunity in January
While Tsarukyan was originally scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the title this past January, he was forced out with an injury. White expressed his disappointment with Tsarukyan and confirmed that he would be sidelined from the next title fight. When Makhachev vacated the belt, former featherweight champ Topuria won the title against Charles Oliveira, who had lost to Tsarukyan.
While Tsarukyan was also sitting cageside when Topuria won the belt, “El Matador” faced off with Pimblett inside the Octagon. Tsarukyan has since accused the champion of ducking him. Meanwhile, Topuria has categorically refused to fight Tsarukyan before he passes another test, even threatening to vacate the belt if the UFC asks him to.
Although Tsarukyan prefers a matchup against Pimblett, “The Baddy” has repeatedly turned down the proposition, claiming the Russian is a “nobody.” Meanwhile, Gaethje only wants to fight for the title, threatening to retire otherwise. The only one willing to fight Tsarukyan is Hooker, who admits that it's a tough matchup.
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Arman Tsarukyan Shifts Focus From UFC Lightweight Title Shot
Arman Tsarukyan has seemingly accepted that he isn’t getting an immediate title shot.
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