In a recent outburst on the “Believe You Me” podcast, Paul Felder expressed his disappointment in featherweight champion Ilia Topuria for refusing to fight top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan. Despite Topuria’s knockout victory over Charles Oliveira last month, securing the vacant lightweight title, he has chosen to call out Paddy Pimblett instead of facing Tsarukyan, whom Felder believes deserves a title shot. This trend of champions selectively avoiding challengers raises concerns about the integrity of competition in the UFC.
Topuria’s Title Reign and Controversial Decisions
Ilia Topuria made headlines last year when he dethroned Alexander Volkanovski to capture the featherweight championship at UFC 298 in February 2024. His initial title defence against Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October 2024 demonstrated his striking prowess. However, his subsequent choice to vacate the featherweight title on 12th April 2025 for the lightweight division raised eyebrows. By sidestepping clear contenders like Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev in the featherweight division, Topuria seems to have chosen a path that diverges from the traditional expectations of champions, indicating a strategy that prioritises personal matchups over meritocracy.
After claiming the vacant lightweight title last month with a spectacular knockout against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on 28th June 2025, Topuria’s intentions became further scrutinised. Although it is common for champions to angle for favourable matchups, Topuria’s decision to call out Paddy Pimblett instead of the undeniable No. 1 contender, Arman Tsarukyan, has drawn ire. His controversial statement of preferring to vacate his title over facing Tsarukyan shocked fans and analysts alike, highlighting a growing trend amongst champions to navigate their legacies selectively.
Paul Felder’s Perspective on Champion Responsibilities
Former UFC lightweight contender Paul Felder expressed his disappointment regarding Topuria’s behaviour on the ‘Believe You Me’ podcast. Felder criticised the modern approach of selectively choosing opponents amongst champions, arguing that it undermines the competitive integrity of MMA. He stressed the importance of fighting the highest-ranked contenders, emphasising that champions should embrace the challenge of defending their titles against the best fighters available. According to Felder, if Topuria believes he is superior to Tsarukyan, it’s his responsibility to demonstrate that in the Octagon.
Felder’s disapproval reflects a broader frustration within the MMA community about fighters prioritising lucrative bouts or personal preferences over legitimate competition. “In this generation of fighters, when they reach this top position, they are so willing to jump around weight classes and try to avoid fighting certain guys,” Felder remarked. “It’s not how it f—-ing works. If the guy is number one and the UFC says, ‘This is the guy.’ You’re the champ, you’re holding that belt, that’s who you fight. If you’re the best and he’s not on your level and all this kind of stuff, then prove it. I hate that.” This perspective challenges upcoming fighters to appreciate the legacy of true champions who fought anyone, anywhere, without shying away from challenges. As Felder articulates, champions must be defined by their willingness to defend their titles against all contenders, not just those they feel they can beat.
Michael Bisping and Paul Felder aren’t impressed with Ilia Topuria steering clear of Arman Tsarukyan 👀🔥
“In this generation of fighters, when they get to the top position, they are so willing to jump around weight classes and try to deny fighting guys. It’s not how it f******… pic.twitter.com/2VEFDVw38F
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 29, 2025
The Lightweight Division Dynamics
The lightweight division is one of the most competitive in the UFC, featuring a plethora of skilled athletes vying for the championship. Following Topuria’s pursuits, Arman Tsarukyan’s position as the No. 1 contender is well-established, especially after his hard-fought split-decision victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024. Tsarukyan’s trajectory has been impressive, but his recent withdrawal from a title challenge against Islam Makhachev due to injury has momentarily stalled his ascent.
The division is in a state of flux, where the titleholder’s choices will greatly influence both Tsarukyan’s future and the overall landscape of lightweight competition. Many fighters and fans alike eagerly await clarity on Topuria’s intentions. It remains to be seen whether Topuria will yield to public and professional pressure to face Tsarukyan or continue his path of selective matchups. Ultimately, the outcomes of these decisions could shape the futures of both competitors and redefine expectations for champions in the sport.
Reactions from the MMA Community
The uproar following Topuria’s statements has spurred reactions across the MMA community, with fans and analysts rallying behind the notion that champions should earn their titles through battle-tested merit. Felder’s commentary has resonated with fighters who share his perspective, reinforcing the belief that champions must be accountable for their choices within the sport. This sentiment not only champions the integrity of weight classes but serves as a clarion call for champions to engage in unfiltered competition.
Ultimately, Topuria’s future in the lightweight division now hangs in a delicate balance as he navigates the expectations from fans, fighters, and analysts. As the division gears up for potential match-ups that could reshape its hierarchy, Topuria’s willingness to embrace or reject a title defence against his top contender could define his legacy and the trajectory of the division for years to come.
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Paul Felder’s Disappointment | Felder criticises Ilia Topuria for avoiding a fight with Arman Tsarukyan. |
| Topuria’s Title History | Won featherweight title vs. Volkanovski (UFC 298, Feb 2024), defended once vs. Max Holloway (UFC 308, Oct 2024), vacated featherweight title (April 2025), and won vacant lightweight title vs. Charles Oliveira (UFC 317, June 2025). |
| Ranking of Tsarukyan | Tsarukyan is currently the No. 1 contender at lightweight but has not fought since his win over Charles Oliveira in April 2024 due to an injury that forced him out of a title challenge against Islam Makhachev. |
| Topuria’s Callout | Despite Tsarukyan’s ranking, Topuria has opted to call out Paddy Pimblett instead. |
| Felder’s View on Champions | Felder believes champions should fight whoever the UFC puts in front of them and not avoid challengers, stating, “I hate that.” |
| Comment on Fighter Behaviour | Felder expresses discontent with fighters jumping between weight classes to avoid matchups, citing it as detrimental to the sport’s integrity. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Ilia Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan & Paul Felder
Why is Paul Felder disappointed with Ilia Topuria?
Paul Felder expressed disappointment with Ilia Topuria for refusing to fight Arman Tsarukyan, the number one contender at lightweight. Felder believes champions should face the top contenders instead of avoiding fights or moving between weight classes.
What recent accomplishments has Ilia Topuria achieved in UFC?
Ilia Topuria recently won the featherweight title against Alexander Volkanovski (UFC 298, Feb 2024) and successfully defended it once against Max Holloway (UFC 308, Oct 2024). He then moved up to lightweight and secured the vacant title with a knockout victory over Charles Oliveira (UFC 317, June 2025).
What are the concerns regarding fighters moving between weight classes?
Felder criticises the trend of champions jumping between weight classes to avoid facing top contenders, asserting that if a champion believes they are superior, they should prove it by fighting them. He stated, “In this generation of fighters, when they get to this top position, they are so willing to jump around weight classes and try to deny fighting guys… I hate that.”
Why has Arman Tsarukyan not fought recently?
Arman Tsarukyan last fought in April 2024, winning via split decision against Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. He was scheduled to challenge for the title against Islam Makhachev in January, but had to withdraw due to injury.
What does Felder suggest about the responsibilities of a champion in MMA?
Felder suggests that champions have a duty to fight the top contenders as designated by the UFC, emphasising that avoiding such matchups is detrimental to the sport and its integrity. He believes champions should be willing to fight anyone put in front of them.
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