Ilia Topuria remains firmly in Arman Tsarukyan’s sights.
The UFC lightweight contender’s title ambitions have taken a hit following the organisation’s latest booking decision.
2026 is set to open with UFC 324, featuring Paddy Pimblett versus Justin Gaethje for an interim title at 155 pounds.
The interim belt comes as Ilia Topuria takes time away from fighting to deal with personal matters outside the sport.
Despite feeling overlooked for a title shot – an issue he has often taken out on ‘The Baddy’ – Tsarukyan has consistently maintained his derision of Topuria.
Arman Tsarukyan calls Ilia Topuria ‘short’ despite them standing at the same height
Tsarukyan is widely considered the most deserving challenger in the champion’s reign, which began when Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, becoming the promotion’s tenth two-division titleholder.
With no interim title on offer, a fight between ‘Ahalkalakets’ and ‘El Matador’ now seems unlikely. But that has not stopped the top contender from keeping it on his mind.
Tsarukyan recently posted a training clip to Instagram, where he was working with Cuban wrestler Gustavo Balart. After taking down Balart in one of his drills, Tsarukyan added a dig aimed at Topuria in the caption.
“Finally found a sparring partner to help me prepare for Topuria. Who said I can’t shoot for a double on short leg opponent?” he published.
The UFC lists both Tsarukyan and Topuria at five-foot-seven.
Arman Tsarukyan set for first 2026 fight outside UFC
Fans will not have to wait long to see Tsarukyan back in action, though his next appearance will not come inside the UFC Octagon.
Although the Armenian lightweight fought only once in the cage last year, he stayed busy on the mats, picking up four wins from five grappling matches.
Tsarukyan notched victories over PFL’s Makasharip Zaynukov, former Bellator champ Patricky Pitbull, ex-UFC titleholder Benson Henderson, and ACA’s Mehdi Baydulaev. He finished 2025 with a draw against Shara Magomedov.
The UFC contender is not taking much time off between matches. On January 10th, he will debut under the Real American Freestyle banner against former PFL champion Lance Palmer.
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