The UFC lightweight division is heating up, and the tension between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan is reaching a boiling point. But here’s where it gets controversial: after Tsarukyan’s dominant submission win over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, he didn’t hesitate to call out Topuria for a shot at the lightweight title. This isn’t just about rankings—it’s personal. Or is it? Let’s break it down.
Tsarukyan’s victory in Doha marked his fifth consecutive win, solidifying his position as a top contender. During his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping and later at the press conference, he made it clear: Topuria is in his crosshairs. But Topuria wasn’t about to let the callout slide without a response. On Twitter, he fired back with a scathing message, labeling Tsarukyan a ‘scared duck’ who freezes up in person. He even referenced a past incident where he allegedly slapped Tsarukyan, who, according to Topuria, laughed it off but now acts tough online. ‘You’re on the right path,’ Topuria wrote, ‘just a few levels below me, kid.’
And this is the part most people miss: Tsarukyan didn’t back down. He clapped back on Twitter, dismissing Topuria’s ‘slap’ as a harmless neck touch during a photo op. ‘Your insecurity’s even clearer,’ he wrote, adding that his real work happens inside the cage, not on social media. He even offered to ‘educate’ Topuria on what a real slap feels like. Bold words, but are they backed by genuine animosity?
In an earlier interview with MMA Fighting, Tsarukyan expressed willingness to face Topuria as early as January if the UFC arranged it. Post-fight, he doubled down on this stance, though he insists there’s no personal beef. ‘This is all media, this is all hype,’ he said at the press conference. ‘If we had anything personal, I’m sure we would take care of it by now.’
So, here’s the question: Is this rivalry purely for show, or is there genuine bad blood beneath the surface? Controversial take: While both fighters claim it’s just business, their exchanges suggest otherwise. Topuria’s ‘scared duck’ comment and Tsarukyan’s offer to ‘educate’ him hint at deeper tensions. Or is this all part of the UFC’s playbook to drum up excitement for a potential matchup? Let us know what you think in the comments—is this rivalry real, or just another PR stunt?