Arman Tsarukyan Expects Ilia Topuria Next for UFC Lightweight Title

Arman Tsarukyan, the top-ranked UFC lightweight contender, believes Ilia Topuria is likely to receive the next shot at Islam Makhachev’s lightweight title, despite Tsarukyan’s own position in the rankings. Tsarukyan was previously scheduled to fight Makhachev but withdrew due to injury, and he has yet to secure a new matchup, attributing the delay to uncertainty over Makhachev’s future plans. Meanwhile, Topuria, the former featherweight champion, has vacated his title and insists he will only accept an immediate lightweight title fight against Makhachev, citing a reported UFC promise and precedents set by other champions. Topuria has stated he is willing to wait rather than take a contender fight, while some in the division, including Mateusz Gamrot and Khabib Nurmagomedov, argue he should first defeat a top lightweight. The division’s title picture may also depend on the outcome of UFC 315, as a move by Makhachev to welterweight could set up an interim title fight, potentially involving Tsarukyan. Both Tsarukyan and Topuria find themselves waiting for Makhachev’s decision to clarify the lightweight division’s next moves.