Arman Tsarukyan doesn’t expect to get a shot at Ilia Topuria yet.
Currently second in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings at 155 pounds, the emperor has fallen into Limbo since losing a shot this January to fight for a lightweight title at UFC 311. Tsarkian challenged Islamic Makachev in the main event of that show, but a back injury was not forced to compete. In the meantime, Makhachev opened his belt to begin his battle with welterweight champion Jack Della Madarena, and Topria won the vacant title with a knockout from Charles Oliveira.
Topuria’s first lightweight championship is still announced, and Tsarukyan believes he and two-time title challenger Justin Gaethje will take over for Paddy Pimblett.
“No, Gaethje will not fight Topuria,” Tsarukyan told Sport24 (Russian translation by the Championship Round). “That’s my opinion. The UFC can do whatever they want. The UFC can even make Toplia against the debutant. But I think it’s more likely that it’s Pimblett than Gaethje.
At first glance, Pinblett’s resume is not as strong as Emperor or Geche’s, but the popular British have won seven UFC battles and have a long-standing feud with Toplia. Pimblett stood up to Topuria in Cage after beating Oliveira at UFC 317, but UFC CEO Dana White opposed the suggestion that grim’s match was locked up.
“I think he’ll defend his title,” the emperor said of Pinblett. “If Islam wins the (welterweight) title, then (Topuria) wants to move up to 170 and become a triple champion.”
Topuria and Makhachev appeared to be on the collision course when Topuria was the featherweight champion. “El Matador” frequently overtured to move lighter to challenge the Makhachev belt. However, by the time Topuria officially rose, Makhachev had also decided to pursue the second title.
Since January, Tsarkian has been busy with grappling matches, including a submission victory over Patrick Pitbull, and will meet former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson on Friday in a no-gie grappling match in Moscow.
He still has plans to fight for £155 gold, but he hopes Topuria will prefer other challenges for now.
“No, he doesn’t want to fight me because he can make more money to fight Islam, and he will be the first triple champion in history and have the opportunity to make a lot of money,” the emperor said. “And even if he loses to Islam, he can say he will move to 170 and come back. He has the excuse that he has raised two weight classes.”