Arman Tsarukyan: Topuria focused on media over training camp

Arman Tsarukyan believes Ilia Topuria prioritized promotional work over preparation ahead of his stunning defeat at UFC White House.

Topuria lost his lightweight title Sunday when his corner stopped the fight after four rounds against Justin Gaethje. The previously undefeated Georgian-Spaniard entered as a heavy favorite and predicted a first-round knockout, even hosting a pre-fight party to celebrate his expected victory. Gaethje instead battered Topuria so badly that the former two-division champion left with non-displaced fractures in both orbital bones, Marca reported Tuesday.

Tsarukyan says media duties distracted Topuria

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Tsarukyan said the loss should humble his lightweight rival. "I think this loss is going to teach him a lot of lessons — not to be overconfident and to respect your opponent," Tsarukyan said, per Sherdog. "And keep grinding. I think he was more focused on his media stuff more than training camp."

Topuria's confidence bordered on arrogance in the lead-up. He updated his Instagram bio to 18-0 before the fight and claimed to have recorded video of how he would score the knockout. Instead, Gaethje compromised Topuria's vision in the opening round and outlasted him over four brutal frames. MMA Fighting reported Topuria will not require surgery but has no timetable for his return, putting a 2026 comeback in doubt.

Topuria posted on social media that Gaethje "took the sight from my right eye in the first round, and by the end of the second, from my left too," vowing the story between them is "far from over." Tsarukyan, who has expressed interest in the lightweight title picture, could find himself in line for a shot if Topuria's recovery drags into 2027.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Report: Ilia Topuria injuries revealed following UFC White House loss
• Sherdog — Arman Tsarukyan: Ilia Topuria lacked proper focus ahead of UFC White House