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Arman Tsarukyan: Ilia Topuria just picking 'easy fights,' Paddy Pimblett 'doesn't deserve' title shot

UFC's lightweight title scene suddenly looks a little different with the emergence of new champion Ilia Topuria, but Arman Tsarukyan believes he's still the next man up.

At UFC 317 this past weekend, a new 155-pound king was crowned when former featherweight champion Topuria made quick work of former lightweight titleholder Charles Oliveira. Topuria's third consecutive knockout of an MMA legend wasn't necessarily a surprise, but it was impressive nonetheless to see him once again call his shot then implausibly pull it off.

One man who was watching closely at UFC 317 was the bout's official backup fighter, No. 1-ranked lightweight contender Tsarukyan. Despite his ranking atop the division, Tsarukyan was brushed aside in the aftermath of Topuria's victory, as fellow contender Paddy Pimblett instead charged into the Octagon for a faceoff with the new champion.

Speaking on Wednesday's edition of "The Ariel Helwani Show," Tsarukyan reacted to Topuria's quick knockout and made it clear how he felt about Pimblett taking centerstage in the post-fight chaos.

"I was surprised [Topuria knocked out Oliveira] in the first round. I thought it would be in the third round or at the end of the fight," Tsarukyan said. "[UFC CEO] Dana [White] said [Pimblett] is not next and he shouldn't be [in the octagon].

"Paddy, he is a good fighter, but he doesn't deserve to fight for the title. He cannot jump ahead of me to fight for the title."

While Tsarukyan was previously set to challenge for the lightweight title against former champion Islam Makhachev in January, and just served as the official backup for Topuria vs. Oliveira, he noted that UFC officials still haven't promised him that he'll compete in the division's next championship match.

If Tsarukyan had it his way, he'd pair himself up against Topuria and give Pimblett a chance to try to continue rising up the ranks with a showdown against former interim champ Justin Gaethje.

But if the promotion goes in the direction indicated after UFC 317's main event, Tsarukyan isn't going to turn down the alternative option.

"If UFC says to fight with Gaethje, I'll take the fight as soon as possible, then fight with Ilia. No problem," he said. "Both [Pimblett and Gaethje], easy money."

Ultimately, the 28-year-old Tsarukyan still believes he'll get the shot next after stringing together an impressive four-fight win streak. In his most recent bout in April 2024, Tsarukyan picked up a split decision against the aforementioned Oliveira at UFC 300.

Tsarukyan expects to face all these names at some point anyway — he predicted a win over Topuria would lead to a first title defense against Pimblett.

Yet while the notion of anyone defeating Topuria feels like a near-impossible task at present, Tsarukyan remains up for the challenge. He's targeting a return at UFC 321 in October in Abu Dhabi.

"I'm not impressed," Tsarukyan said of Topuria. "Maybe if I was in his situation, I would pick easy fights too. If he's going to see me or Paddy, Paddy is easier to fight. [Topuria] is a legit fighter. He's the 145 [and] 155 champion. He knew he can knock out Oliveira.

"Topuria, you know who is the No. 1 contender, and you know exactly who you're going to fight. It's me. Don't try to play with anybody. I'll see you soon."

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