The UFC lightweight division has always been a magnet for drama, high-level competition, and intense rivalries. From Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy to the rise of Islam Makhachev, and now the era of Ilia Topuria, this weight class never fails to deliver something explosive.
The latest controversy circulating the MMA world is the statement made by UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, who openly mocked and dismissed top contender Arman Tsarukyan during a recent interview.
The entire situation has shifted fan discussions, created new debates, and reignited questions about championship opportunities in 2026.
This article breaks down the entire controversy, why Ilia Topuria made fun of Arman Tsarukyan, why the UFC appears to be distancing itself from Tsarukyan, and what this means for the future of the lightweight title picture.
Who Is Arman Tsarukyan? A Talent With a Complicated UFC Journey
Arman Tsarukyan is widely recognized as one of the most technically gifted fighters in the UFC lightweight division.
His wrestling pedigree, striking improvements, and cardio have made him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the top 10.
After defeating elite fighters like Damir Ismagulov and, most recently, Dan Hooker, many analysts believed Tsarukyan was just one step away from earning a championship opportunity.
But despite his remarkable talent, Tsarukyan’s path to the title has been complicated, and now, after his controversial withdrawal from the Islam Makhachev fight just one day before the event, his stock within the UFC has taken a massive hit.
The Fight Withdrawal That Changed Everything
The biggest turning point in Arman Tsarukyan’s career came when he pulled out of his scheduled fight against Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion at the time.
The withdrawal happened just one day before the fight, shocking fans, upsetting UFC executives, and creating chaos around what was supposed to be one of the biggest main events of the year.
While fighters getting injured is nothing new in MMA, the timing of the withdrawal, combined with the magnitude of the fight, left a bitter taste in the mouths of UFC fans.
Why Fans Called Him the “Clown of the UFC”
Social media immediately exploded with criticism. Some fans accused Arman of being unprofessional, some accused him of ducking a tough matchup, and others labeled him as the “clown” of the lightweight division.
It was an unfair tag given his skill level, but the internet can be brutal, especially when a main event collapses overnight.
The UFC also reportedly lost significant money due to the sudden change, adding even more pressure and scrutiny on Tsarukyan.
Ilia Topuria Laughs Off the Situation: “UFC Doesn’t Care About Arman”
During a recent interview, Ilia Topuria was asked his opinion about Arman Tsarukyan’s situation and whether he believes Tsarukyan deserves a lightweight title shot.
Topuria’s response was blunt, confident, and filled with his signature dismissive arrogance.
Topuria’s Exact Tone and Message
Without hesitation, Ilia Topuria said:
- “I don’t care about Arman.”
- “UFC also doesn’t care about Arman.”
- “He destroyed a whole UFC event with his withdrawal.”
- “Everyone has injuries. That doesn’t mean you ruin the main event and the money involved.”
- “In my opinion, he is not even in the picture of a title shot.”
These statements immediately went viral in the MMA community. Fans who already disliked Tsarukyan’s withdrawal started echoing Topuria’s sentiment. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan’s supporters accused Topuria of disrespecting a fellow athlete.
But beyond the drama, one thing was clear: Ilia Topuria completely dismissed Tsarukyan as a contender.
Why Ilia Topuria’s Words Hit So Hard
Ilia Topuria is not just another fighter talking trash. He is currently:
- Undefeated
- Former Featherweight Champion
- Current Lightweight Champion
- One of the most popular and talked-about fighters in the UFC
His words carry weight because the UFC itself revolves around star power. When Topuria says someone is irrelevant, casual fans immediately start believing it. His growing influence is reshaping the lightweight conversation.
Topuria’s Confidence Comes From His Results
Ilia Topuria has built a reputation for backing up every bold statement with dominant performances.
From knocking out Alexander Volkanovski to capturing the lightweight title after vacating the featherweight belt, everything he says draws attention because he has earned the right to talk.
So when he mocks Tsarukyan and claims UFC doesn’t care, fans take that seriously.
Is the UFC Really Ignoring Arman Tsarukyan?
Judging by UFC’s recent decisions, it certainly appears that way. Despite winning against Dan Hooker, a respected veteran and high-profile name.
The UFC has shown no interest in rewarding Tsarukyan with a title shot or even placing him in a number-one contender bout.
Instead, the UFC made a surprising and slightly controversial announcement:
Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett Is Set for the Interim Lightweight Title
This move shocked many fans because:
- Paddy Pimblett is not ranked high enough to traditionally qualify for a title shot.
- Arman Tsarukyan was expected to be the next logical contender.
- Gaethje already had momentum and deserved a big opportunity, but pairing him with Paddy seemed like the UFC prioritizing popularity over rankings.
But from UFC’s business perspective, Paddy Pimblett is one of the biggest rising stars, while Arman Tsarukyan struggles to generate mainstream hype.
Thus, Tsarukyan has been pushed aside once again.
Why UFC May Be Punishing Tsarukyan for Withdrawing
While the UFC hasn’t publicly said anything against Tsarukyan, long-time fans know that the organization values reliability.
Fighters who save cards or fight even with minor injuries often get rewarded, while those who pull out last moment sometimes get benched or ignored for months.
The UFC Never Likes Last-Minute Cancellations
Main events are expensive. Marketing, promotion, production, broadcast, investments, everything depends on securing the fighters. When someone pulls out one day before the fight, it affects the entire ecosystem.
Even if Arman had a legitimate reason, the UFC is a business first, and decisions are often based on trust and marketability.
For that reason alone, Tsarukyan’s dropping out created a long-term setback for his career.
Ilia Topuria’s Growing Influence in the Lightweight Division
Ilia Topuria currently holds the lightweight championship, but he has already made it clear that he won’t be fighting in early 2026.
This opened the door for the interim title matchup between Gaethje and Pimblett. Topuria’s choice not to fight immediately gave him even more leverage in the division because the UFC knows he brings massive commercial value.
Topuria is turning into one of those rare fighters like Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, and Israel Adesanya who can influence matchmaking with their popularity.
So when he dismisses Tsarukyan publicly, it further damages Arman’s standing within the division.
Does Arman Tsarukyan Still Deserve a Title Shot?
From a purely competitive standpoint, yes. Tsarukyan’s skill level is undeniable. His grappling, striking depth, and fight IQ place him among the top talents at lightweight.
But the UFC doesn’t operate solely on merit. It operates on:
- Star power
- Reliability
- Marketability
- Storylines
- Timing
Right now, Tsarukyan lacks momentum in all these areas.
The Real Reason Ilia Topuria Mocked Tsarukyan
Topuria’s comments weren’t just random trash talk. They were strategic.
Here’s why:
1. Tsarukyan Has No Leverage
Top contenders usually get title shots by:
- Winning big fights
- Calling out the champion
- Building hype
Tsarukyan hasn’t done any of these convincingly after the withdrawal incident.
2. Mocking Him Keeps Topuria at the Center of Attention
Topuria knows how to stay in the headlines. Every time he talks trash about another fighter, he trends on MMA media pages and social platforms.
3. It Helps the UFC Promote the Division
Drama sells. The lightweight division is already hot, and adding more tension only benefits UFC’s marketing machine.
How This Drama Impacts the Lightweight Title Picture
Here’s the projected timeline:
- Ilia Topuria remains the undisputed lightweight champion.
- Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett will determine the interim champion.
- Tsarukyan will likely need another big win, possibly against a top-five opponent, before being considered again.
Right now, Tsarukyan is not even close to a title shot according to UFC’s current matchmaking direction—and Topuria’s statements only reinforced that idea.
What Arman Tsarukyan Should Do Next
If Tsarukyan wants to regain momentum, he needs to:
- Stay active – inactivity kills momentum.
- Call out bigger names – create hype, not silence.
- Finish fights impressively – highlight reels change everything.
- Improve his media presence – the UFC pushes fighters who can talk.
- Rebuild trust with the UFC – by accepting short-notice fights or stepping in to save a card.
If he can secure a win over top fighters like Charles Oliveira, Mateusz Gamrot, or Dustin Poirier, he can return to the title conversation.
Final Thoughts: Ilia Topuria Makes Laugh Of Arman Tsarukyan
The lightweight division continues to evolve with new rivalries and controversies. Ilia Topuria’s recent remarks have put Arman Tsarukyan’s career under a harsh spotlight once again.
While Tsarukyan remains one of the most talented fighters on the roster, the UFC’s interest in him appears to have faded following his last-minute withdrawal against Islam Makhachev.
Topuria’s comments dismissing Tsarukyan and mocking his relevance have added fuel to the fire. Now the question is whether Tsarukyan can rebuild his reputation, regain the trust of the UFC, and climb back into the title picture.
For now, Ilia Topuria stands tall as the undefeated double-champ star of the lightweight division, while Arman Tsarukyan is left trying to repair his damaged momentum.
One thing is certain:
The UFC lightweight division has never been more chaotic, and fans are loving every second of it.