Arman Tsarukyan didn`t just watch Ilia Topuria`s dominant performance at UFC 317 – he was genuinely impressed. Last Saturday, Topuria secured the vacant lightweight championship with a stunning first-round knockout victory over Charles Oliveira in the event`s main attraction. While Topuria had confidently predicted this outcome, and many analysts agreed, the swiftness of the finish still captivated viewers, including Tsarukyan, who watched from cageside.
“I was impressed because it happened in the first round,” Tsarukyan commented on Daniel Cormier`s YouTube channel. He acknowledged Topuria`s striking prowess, stating, “I knew he has one of the best boxing in our division, right now. His best weapon is boxing.” Seeing Oliveira fall so quickly was surprising. “He just fold straight. It was a good knockout,” Tsarukyan added.
Interestingly, Tsarukyan revealed that he actively wanted Topuria to emerge victorious. He explained his preference was based on stylistic matchups. “When the fight started, I wanted Topuria to win, because, for me, it’s easier to fight Topuria than Oliveira,” he said. This is due to Tsarukyan`s wrestling-heavy approach. Taking down Oliveira poses a submission threat, whereas Topuria is more focused on defending and getting back up, allowing Tsarukyan to relentlessly pursue takedowns without major ground submission concerns.
However, Tsarukyan`s positive impression of Topuria`s win was tempered by the post-fight events. During his victory speech, Topuria called out Paddy Pimblett, who was also seated near the octagon. UFC commentator Joe Rogan then invited Pimblett into the cage for an impromptu face-off. UFC CEO Dana White later stated this should not have happened, and Tsarukyan fully agrees.
Tsarukyan directly called the incident a “Joe Rogan mistake.” According to Tsarukyan, Rogan initiated the interaction by calling Pimblett into the octagon. He admitted to being upset for a period, feeling the situation strayed from genuine sport into entertainment akin to professional wrestling (WWE), especially given his own consistent victories against top contenders. However, after hearing Dana White`s subsequent remarks disapproving of the encounter, Tsarukyan felt some reassurance. He is now hopeful that Pimblett won`t receive the immediate title shot and asserts his own claim as the most deserving number one contender for Topuria`s belt.
The landscape for Topuria`s first title defense remains uncertain, with Tsarukyan, Pimblett, and potentially Justin Gaethje being discussed as possible challengers. Regardless, Tsarukyan remains confident in his ability to be the one who can halt Topuria`s impressive momentum.
He specifically pointed to Topuria`s perceived lack of experience against elite freestyle wrestlers, referencing Bryce Mitchell`s ability to take Topuria down in their previous fight. Tsarukyan noted that Mitchell, whom he considers less skilled on the ground, managed takedowns against Topuria, who then resorted to pulling guard. Tsarukyan views pulling guard as a sign that a fighter is “not high level” on the ground, suggesting they lack the skills for sweeps or effective escapes.
