Arman Tsarukyan: ''Ilia Topuria Will Come Back, Beat Michael Chandler, and Fight for the Title!''

Top-ranked lightweight Arman Tsarukyan has outlined his blueprint for his upcoming number one contender fight against Mauricio Ruffy. Speaking with Chael Sonnen on UFC on Paramount+, Tsarukyan analyzed his opponent's striking, noting Ruffy possesses a good left hook, a great straight right, and dangerous kicks. 

While Tsarukyan acknowledges Ruffy can likely stop his first or second takedown, he questioned whether the Brazilian can handle a relentless 25-minute wrestling assault. The scheduled five-round co-main event at UFC 331 will serve as a title eliminator. Tsarukyan firmly believes Ruffy presents a more dangerous challenge than former champion Charles Oliveira. Despite the threat, Tsarukyan intends to make the bout look easy and secure a quick finish.

Looking at the broader 155-pound division, Tsarukyan named Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, and Paddy Pimblett as the current top figures. A victory over Ruffy will propel Tsarukyan directly into a championship fight, which he expects to happen early next year. According to Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje is currently waiting to face the winner of his bout or the winner of Pimblett’s next matchup.

Tsarukyan also predicted the movement of current featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. He believes Topuria will finish recovering, take an introductory lightweight bout against Michael Chandler or another not dangerous opponent, and eventually advance to a lightweight title fight.