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Ilia Topuria thinks Arman Tsarukyan would run out of answers quickly if the two share the octagon.
Tsarukyan has established himself as a top contender in the lightweight division, and many believe he is deserving of a shot at Justin Gaethje’s UFC lightweight title. It’s the same championship that Topuria lost when he was battered by “The Highlight” back in June. After taking some time to recover, Topuria is confident that he can regain the success he had prior to UFC Freedom 250.
If Topuria happens to meet Tsarukyan in the near future, he thinks “The Batman” will fold under his pressure. He told ABC.es that Tsarukyan would be flustered when he realizes he can’t secure takedowns (via MMAJunkie).
Ilia Topuria predicts Arman Tsarukyan would panic if his takedowns failed, drawing a comparison with Movsar Evloev against Alexander Volkanovski.
“Arman would be pure panic on the feet, trying to take you down. Like Movsar against Volk, the same thing. They are used to… pic.twitter.com/4Em3ilDP7o
— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) November 7, 2026
“Arman would be pure panic on the feet trying to take you down,” Topuria said. “Like Movsar against Volk, the same thing. They are used to dominating all the time, and their confidence grows through that domination. When you cannot dominate, especially as a wrestler, wrestling and takedown defense in MMA have evolved so much that without good ground skills alongside your wrestling, it becomes exhausting. Arman does not stand out for his ground game.
“He stands out for takedowns and the dominant positions he looks for. How often have you seen someone stop those takedowns and go after him? Like what happened against Volk. He (Evloev) was so used to taking people down, resting in the clinch or on their backs, but with Volk, he could not do any of that. What happened? Panic, and he gave up. I have been world champion in two divisions, in four world title fights. … I grew up grappling and wrestling. I have more wrestling photos than photos playing in the park. It’s my life.”
If Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan clash in the near future, what are you expecting? Will Topuria’s vision come to fruition, or will he be in for a rude awakening? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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