Following UFC 317, Arman Tsarukyan expressed both admiration for Ilia Topuria’s impressive first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira and concern over UFC commentator Joe Rogan’s decision to invite Paddy Pimblett into the cage for an unsolicited face-off. Tsarukyan labelled Rogan’s actions as a ‘mistake’ and echoed UFC CEO Dana White’s disapproval, emphasising his desire to secure a shot at Topuria’s newly claimed lightweight title as the deserving No. 1 contender. This serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates about fight promotion tactics versus sport integrity in MMA.
Ilia Topuria’s Impressive Knockout at UFC 317
In a striking display of skill and quickness, Ilia Topuria secured his position as the newly crowned lightweight champion this past Saturday when he knocked out former champion Charles Oliveira in just the first round at UFC 317. This victory not only awarded Topuria the vacant title but also solidified his reputation as a formidable force in the lightweight division. Observers and MMA fans alike had anticipated a competitive showdown, yet Topuria’s swift execution caught even seasoned fighters by surprise, showcasing the depth of talent in the UFC.
Tsarukyan, who watched the bout from the cage-side, expressed his admiration for Topuria’s boxing skills, noting that the knockout showcased Topuria’s striking prowess. “I knew he has one of the best boxing skills in our division, right now,” Tsarukyan said in an interview. His commentary reflects a deeper appreciation for Topuria’s abilities, as he acknowledged that it was the first-round finish that truly impressed him, emphasising the unexpected intensity of the match.
Arman Tsarukyan’s Strategy and Title Shot Preferences
Following the fight, Tsarukyan didn’t hesitate to articulate his tactical preferences regarding potential future opponents, particularly highlighting his preference for facing Topuria over Oliveira. Tsarukyan explained that fighting Oliveira, who is renowned for his submission game, would pose a greater risk to his grappling strategy. “For my style, it’s easier to fight Topuria than Oliveira,” he stated. His perspective gives insight into the competitors’ contrasting styles and how they influence fight dynamics in the UFC.
Emphasising his wrestling background, Tsarukyan detailed how he would approach a matchup with Topuria differently than he would Oliveira. “When you take down Charles Oliveira, he can still choke you or do submissions… Topuria is going to try to get up,” Tsarukyan asserted. This highlights his confidence in his ground game, suggesting he believes his wrestling skill set can neutralise Topuria’s striking ability.
Controversy Over Joe Rogan’s Post-Fight Invitation to Paddy Pimblett
Despite his respect for Topuria’s victory, Tsarukyan was sharply critical of the post-fight developments, specifically regarding UFC commentator Joe Rogan’s decision to invite Paddy Pimblett into the octagon for an impromptu confrontation. Tsarukyan indicated that this move detracted from the competition’s integrity, characterising it as theatrics more befitting of professional wrestling than mixed martial arts. “It was a Joe Rogan mistake,” Tsarukyan remarked, firmly placing the blame on the commentator for calling out Pimblett.
The negative implications of this spectacle were echoed by UFC CEO Dana White, who voiced his disapproval, confirming Tsarukyan’s apprehensions about the direction in which the UFC narrative is heading. Tsarukyan expressed his frustration, stating, “This is not sport, this is WWE,” and underscored his belief that true contenders should be rewarded based on their performances rather than media-driven narratives.
Arman Tsarukyan’s Claim for Lightweight Title Contention
Amid the uproar following UFC 317, Tsarukyan made it clear that he views himself as the rightful contender for Topuria’s title. His candidness about his winning streak against elite fighters in the division conveys strong ambition and determination. “They must put me for the title because I’m the No. 1 contender, the most deserving fighter right now,” he asserted, undeniably making the case for his claim amidst a landscape crowded with potential contenders for the lightweight championship.
With speculation swirling about who will face Topuria next, Tsarukyan appears poised to challenge for the title, dismissing the idea of Pimblett jumping the line. “After me, they can fight. But next, it’s me, for sure,” Tsarukyan confidently stated. This unwavering confidence underscores his readiness to step into the octagon against the champion and prove himself as the best lightweight fighter.
Analysing Topuria’s Ground Game and Tsarukyan’s Strengths
Looking ahead to a potential fight with Topuria, Tsarukyan highlighted a crucial element of strategy—the emphasis on wrestling. He pointed out the vulnerability he perceives in Topuria’s ground game, especially following Topuria’s previous bout against Bryce Mitchell. Tsarukyan noted how Mitchell, whom he described as one of the less skilled fighters at Featherweight, managed to secure takedowns against Topuria, which speaks to potential defensive weaknesses. “He never fought with wrestlers like me, who know freestyle wrestling,” Tsarukyan commented.
This analysis not only positions Tsarukyan as a serious threat to Topuria’s reign but also showcases the tactical discussions that dominate the UFC landscape. The anticipation of strategies and matchups in the octagon reflects the intricate layers of skill and adaptability that define elite competitors in the UFC. With the championship landscape shifting rapidly, all eyes will remain on Tsarukyan as he prepares to prove his mettle against Topuria.
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | UFC 317, held on July 2, 2025. |
| Main Fight Result | Ilia Topuria defeated Charles Oliveira by first-round KO to claim the vacant lightweight title. |
| Impression of Topuria’s Performance | Arman Tsarukyan was impressed by Topuria’s knockout, recognising his boxing skills. |
| Tsarukyan’s Preferences | Tsarukyan prefers to fight Topuria over Oliveira due to style matchups. |
| Controversial Post-Fight Moment | Joe Rogan invited Paddy Pimblett to the octagon after the fight, criticised by Tsarukyan and Dana White. |
| Tsarukyan’s Plans | Tsarukyan believes he deserves a title shot next and aims to stop Topuria’s success. |
| Potential Contenders | Considered contenders for Topuria’s title include Tsarukyan, Pimblett, and Justin Gaethje. |
| Tsarukyan’s Critique of Topuria’s Ground Game | Tsarukyan believes Topuria has not faced strong wrestlers and suggests he is not on a high level on the ground. |
In conclusion, Arman Tsarukyan’s candid reflections on UFC 317 highlight both the praise for Ilia Topuria’s knockout and the controversy sparked by Joe Rogan’s invitation to Paddy Pimblett. As Tsarukyan asserts his place as the top contender, MMA fans are left wondering who truly deserves the next shot at the lightweight title.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Arman Tsarukyan think about Ilia Topuria’s performance at UFC 317?
Arman Tsarukyan was highly impressed by Ilia Topuria’s first-round knockout victory over Charles Oliveira, stating that Topuria demonstrated exceptional boxing skills, which he believes to be his best weapon in the lightweight division.
Why did Arman Tsarukyan have mixed feelings about Topuria’s post-fight actions?
Tsarukyan criticised the decision to call Paddy Pimblett into the octagon after the fight, labelling it a mistake by Joe Rogan, and felt that it undermined the integrity of the sport, echoing Dana White’s disapproval.
What are Tsarukyan’s thoughts on fighting Topuria compared to Oliveira?
Tsarukyan prefers to fight Topuria over Charles Oliveira because he believes his wrestling style would be more effective against Topuria, as Oliveira poses submission threats even when taken down.
Who does Tsarukyan believe should be the next contender for Topuria’s title?
Tsarukyan confidently asserts that he is the most deserving fighter for a title shot against Topuria, claiming he is the No. 1 contender due to his strong record against top fighters in the lightweight division.
What was Dana White’s reaction to the situation involving Paddy Pimblett at UFC 317?
Dana White stated that inviting Paddy Pimblett into the octagon during Topuria’s post-fight speech was inappropriate and should not have happened, aligning his thoughts with Tsarukyan’s concerns about UFC fight promotion.
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