Tsarukyan Tells Topuria to See an Eye Doctor While He Takes the Belt
Arman Tsarukyan trolled Ilia Topuria after his UFC 331 knockout, suggesting the former champ visit an ophthalmologist while Tsarukyan chases gold.
Arman Tsarukyan is not interested in waiting around. Fresh off his highlight-reel first-round knockout of Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331, the lightweight contender took a shot at former champion Ilia Topuria while laying out his path to the title.
In an interview with Sport24, Tsarukyan suggested Topuria take his time recovering. "Let Ilia see an ophthalmologist and take some time to fully recover. Maybe another four or five months. Once I become champion, we'll talk," Tsarukyan said, per LowKick MMA.
The jab references Topuria's eye issues from his loss to Justin Gaethje, after which Topuria recently announced he has been medically cleared and expects to return by February 2027. Topuria has publicly called for a Gaethje rematch upon his comeback.
Tsarukyan is not the only one with opinions on the lightweight title picture. Paddy Pimblett told media he believes the UFC may bypass Tsarukyan entirely in favor of a Gaethje-Topuria rematch. "With all the stuff coming out now with Ilia and Justin, it wouldn't surprise me if they end up fighting and having a rematch," Pimblett said, per LowKick MMA. He added that Tsarukyan only beat the seventh-ranked contender and criticized his overall performance, saying he "looked pretty sh*tty until the moment he landed that elbow."
Tsarukyan has also jokingly threatened to fight Mark Zuckerberg and UFC executive Hunter Campbell if a title shot is not granted. He has said he is willing to fight again in December and suggested Gaethje could vacate if he is unwilling to compete on that timeline.
Telling Topuria to go see an eye doctor and come back when Arman is champion is a great line, and Arman has earned the right to be cocky. He just erased Ruffy in one round and the UFC told him he is next. He wants December. He is even joking about fighting Zuckerberg and Hunter Campbell. The man is hungry.
But Paddy's warning is not crazy. The Gaethje-Topuria rematch has a built-in storyline with the glove drama, and the UFC loves a built-in storyline more than it loves a deserving contender. If Topuria is cleared for February and the promotion smells money, Arman waits again. We have seen this movie.
So I am with Arman on the pressure campaign. Say it loud, say it often, and make it embarrassing for the UFC to skip him. And if Gaethje really will not fight until 2027, the interim belt conversation needs to start now. Six straight wins should not sit on a shelf.
https://www.lowkickmma.com/arman-tsarukyan-sends-message-to-ilia-topuria-after-ufc-331-ko-win/
