Ilia Topuria has ruled out a fight with Arman Tsarukyan and revealed there are only two opponents he’s interested in facing next.
Despite Tsarukyan’s recent dominant win over Dan Hooker, Topuria remains unwilling to grant him a title shot, citing Tsarukyan’s late withdrawal from a planned title fight earlier this year. The undefeated champion has made it clear he has no interest in revisiting that matchup.
Instead, Topuria says his first choice is a move up to welterweight to challenge Islam Makhachev, who recently captured the 170lb title by defeating Jack Della Maddalena. Topuria is aiming to become a three-weight world champion.
If the UFC doesn’t allow him to move up, Topuria has his sights set on a high-profile lightweight clash with Paddy Pimblett. Despite not fighting since April, Pimblett continues to rise in the rankings, leading to speculation that the UFC is positioning him for a title shot.
Topuria has also overlooked other big names in the division, including Justin Gaethje, who has threatened retirement if he isn’t given the next title opportunity.
At the moment, Topuria has no confirmed return date. He has said he has “nothing on the horizon” and hasn’t been contacted by the UFC, and despite early rumours, he’s unlikely to headline a January event.
