UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria isn’t mincing words about No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan and he’s blaming Tsarukyan, not the UFC, for being left out of the interim-title fight at UFC 324.
Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) is temporarily stepping away to address personal and legal issues involving his ex-wife. In his absence, the UFC opted to book Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight belt on Jan. 24, with the winner expected to face Topuria upon his return.
That decision shocked many considering Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) is the division’s top-ranked contender and riding the best momentum of his career.