“I think if you took him to Chechnya or Dagestan, to any gym, even amateurs would be able to take him down and hit him on the ground.” That is how Arman Tsarukyan dismissed Ilia Topuria’s toughness in an interview with Aslanbek Badaev, the latest salvo in a feud that has intensified since Topuria suffered the first defeat of his professional career.
The Armenian, who stopped Mauricio Ruffy in the first round at UFC 331, is positioning himself as the next challenger for the UFC lightweight title now held by Justin Gaethje — and he is using criticism of Topuria’s training methods to make his case to the promotion’s matchmakers, abc.es reported.
What Tsarukyan Said About Topuria’s Training
Tsarukyan, 30, argued that Topuria’s camp never tests his wrestling. “He spends all day training his strikes and his boxing. Nobody attacks his legs or tries to take him down. He brings questionable sparring partners and knocks them out,” Tsarukyan said, according to abc.es and MARCA. He added that the relatively soft sparring has made Topuria look like “a kind of supernatural fighter” to the public, which Tsarukyan does not believe is true.
Mundo Deportivo quoted Tsarukyan with a slightly fuller version of the criticism: “He spends the day hitting pads, doing boxing exercises. Nobody goes for his legs or tries to take him down. He picks unknowns as sparring partners to knock out, and then everyone thinks he’s a supernatural fighter.”
Tsarukyan, who grew up in Russia and has trained in Dagestan and Chechnia — regions he noted have produced stars such as Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev, according to Mundo Deportivo — drew the regional contrast deliberately: in those gyms, he said, even amateurs would be able to wrestle Topuria down and strike him on the canvas.
Arman talking like Ilia didn't grow up doing Greco in Georgia lol
Why the Timing Matters: Gaethje’s Possible Retirement
The comments land at a volatile moment in the 155-pound division. Topuria, 17-1, lost to Gaethje at UFC Fight Night at the White House, his first professional defeat, and Gaethje has signaled he may retire rather than run it back. Marca.com reported that Gaethje has shut the door on a rematch and has said Tsarukyan is the fighter who most deserves the next title shot after the Ruffy knockout.
Tsarukyan has said in multiple interviews that UFC officials, including Dana White, promised him his next fight would be for the undisputed lightweight title, Mundo Deportivo reported. Whether that opponent is Gaethje or Topuria depends on Gaethje’s decision: if the American retires, Tsarukyan and Topuria could meet for a vacant belt, which is exactly the scenario Tsarukyan’s remarks are aimed at, abc.es reported.
Arman Tsarukyan doubts Ilia Topuria’s wrestling skills: “I think if you brought him to Chechnya or Dagestan, into any gym, even the amateurs would be able to take him down and ground and pound him” Via: Aslanbek Badaev pic.twitter.com/xSp0XblTeW
Topuria, meanwhile, continues training in Georgia while awaiting clarity on his future. The first half of 2027 has been floated as a possible return window, but the division’s picture must be resolved first to know his opponent, according to abc.es.
Where the Two Fighters Stand, and Where They Disagree
The feud is not new. Marca.com recalled that several months ago Topuria mocked the idea that the UFC owed Tsarukyan title opportunities and said that while he was champion, the Armenian would have to do much more to earn a fight with him. Tsarukyan has returned the fire repeatedly, and this round of comments fits that pattern.
The two also disagree about how a fight between them would unfold. Tsarukyan told Badaev that he does not plan to trade in Topuria’s striking range: “I trust myself, but I know I’m not going to be fighting in his striking range. I’ll do what I’m good at, wrestling. I don’t think he can handle my takedowns — I know I can take him down and wear him out on the ground, I know my wrestling can exhaust him,” Mundo Deportivo quoted him as saying.
Tsarukyan’s own record supports the claim that he is a credible challenger: the Ruffy win brought him to 24 victories against three losses, Mundo Deportivo reported. Topuria stands at 17 wins and one loss.
What Happens Next in the Lightweight Picture
The immediate checkpoint is Gaethje’s decision. If he fights on, the expected matchup is Gaethje vs. Tsarukyan for the title; if he retires, the path opens for Tsarukyan against Topuria with the belt vacant, according to MARCA. Marca.com added that if a Tsarukyan-Topuria fight does not materialize, Topuria’s most feasible option to stay relevant would be a high-profile bout against Paddy Pimblett to rebuild momentum toward a title he once held.
For now, the war of words continues. Tsarukyan knows his name is on the table, abc.es reported, and statements like the Chechnya and Dagestan remark are how he keeps it there.
Arman Tsarukyan believes even AMATEUR wrestlers from Dagestan and Chechnya could take Ilia Topuria down! Arman criticized Topuria for focusing too much on boxing and striking while training with questionable sparring partners. 🗣️ “Everyone thinks he’s some kind of supernatural… pic.twitter.com/oYiWIXHgxh”
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