Arman Tsarukyan Questions Ilia Topuria’s Confidence
UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has expressed doubts about the confidence Ilia Topuria would show when facing him, compared to the confidence he displayed against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. Topuria, who became the tenth two-division champion in UFC history last weekend by knocking out Oliveira in the first round, displayed remarkable self-assurance before the fight. Tsarukyan, currently ranked number 2 in the lightweight division, attributes Topuria’s confidence to the characteristics of the matchup.The UFC has not yet revealed who will be Topuria’s next opponent. After his victory, Topuria faced Paddy Pimblett in the octagon, but the UFC has not confirmed that matchup. Tsarukyan, who is on a four-fight winning streak, claims that he would value a victory over Makhachev more than over Topuria, as Topuria’s last three victories have been against competitors who, according to him, were no longer at their best. Tsarukyan also commented on the impact of a victory over him for Topuria.He celebrated the day before because he already knew. Oliveira wasn’t going to knock him out, wasn’t going to take him down. He wasn’t going to outstrike him. He has good grappling, and that’s it. So, how was Oliveira going to win? He knew this was the best matchup for me, with a 99.9 percent chance of winning this fight. He won’t be so confident with me.
Arman Tsarukyan
Makhachev vacated the belt earlier this year, anticipating his move up to welterweight to try and win a second belt.If Topuria were to beat me, he would be at the same level as Islam. He has to beat someone like me, who can fight. He’s only had easy fights in his career. He beat legitimate fighters, but not in their prime. If he had faced Volkanovski five years ago, Volkanovski would have simply destroyed him. Now, Volkanovski is old. He’s not there anymore.
Arman Tsarukyan
