Topuria Predicts Tsarukyan Will Panic In Bout

Ilia Topuria thinks Arman Tsarukyan will fall apart when the two finally meet inside the Octagon.

The former champion has not competed since losing his lightweight belt to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. If Gaethje retires, a vacant-title bout between Topuria and Tsarukyan could happen, with the latter already positioned for his next title opportunity. The pair have exchanged verbal jabs for months.

How Topuria Sees The Tsarukyan Matchup

Speaking to Diario ABC, Topuria cited Alexander Volkanovski's recent finish of Movsar Evloev as a blueprint for what would happen against Tsarukyan. "Arman is going to be pure panic," he said, per BJPenn.com. Topuria explained that Tsarukyan relies heavily on takedowns and control positions rather than true finishing ability on the mat.

The Georgian-Spanish fighter pointed to how Evloev unraveled when his usual tactics failed against Volkanovski. Topuria suggested Tsarukyan would meet the same fate when unable to impose his grappling game. He noted his own four world title fights across two weight classes and extensive wrestling background as proof he would not be overwhelmed.

Despite building his championship runs on precise boxing, Topuria started his career as a grappler and remains confident in his mat skills. He appears unbothered by the threat of Tsarukyan's wrestling credentials.

Topuria has also floated a 2027 return against Paddy Pimblett.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Ilia Topuria predicts Arman Tsarukyan’s ‘pure panic’ in future showdown