Tsarukyan On Topuria's Future After Gaethje Loss

Arman Tsarukyan has mapped out what he sees as the next steps for Ilia Topuria after the featherweight-turned-lightweight lost his belt to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

Tsarukyan, who meets Mauricio Ruffy in the UFC 331 co-main event, told MMA Fighting that Topuria should face Michael Chandler next before working back toward another title shot. "He's still recovering and probably next for him a fight with Michael Chandler and then come back and fight for the title," Tsarukyan said, per BJPenn.com. "Who else? After this fight, he needs someone easy, an easy fight, and then after that fight come and fight again."

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Tsarukyan Eyes Title Shot After Ruffy Fight

The Armenian contender views himself as the division's number one challenger. He told MMA Fighting that a win over Ruffy on September 19 puts him in position to select his own opponent once he secures the championship. "There's a lot of top guys," Tsarukyan said. "Me, Oliveira still. Paddy Pimblett. Topuria. Max Holloway is tough as well. But when I beat Ruffy, I'm going to fight for the title and then I can pick who I want to fight."

Tsarukyan recently dismissed Charles Oliveira's withdrawal from a potential bout, saying the Brazilian used a teammate's death as an excuse not to fight. That remark stirred controversy across social media, though Tsarukyan has not walked it back.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC 331 on Ticketmaster →

UFC 331 takes place September 19, with the Tsarukyan-Ruffy co-main serving as a final eliminator at 155 pounds.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Arman Tsarukyan examines the current state of the UFC lightweight division