The UFC’s lightweight division recently crowned a new champion in Ilia Topuria, who knocked out Charles Oliveira to claim the vacant title. However, after the fight, fans quickly noticed a misstep by UFC commentator Joe Rogan, who called out Paddy Pimblett as Topuria’s next opponent, overlooking Arman Tsarukyan, the rightful No. 1 contender.
The Spanish fighter captured the lightweight title, and fans quickly began speculating about his next opponent. During the post-fight octagon interview, Joe Rogan asked who he wanted to face next. In response, ‘El Matador’ took a jab at Arman Tsarukyan, mocking him for using a “back injury” as the reason for pulling out of their previously scheduled bout.
However, the UFC commentator mistakenly mentioned Paddy Pimblett and even called him into the cage.
Later, while speaking with Daniel Cormier, the Armenian fighter reacted by saying, “I was surprised, but when Dana said it shouldn’t be like that, I said okay. Hopefully, he’s not fighting for the title.”
Arman Tsarukyan says it was a mistake by Joe Rogan to invite Paddy Pimblett into the Octagon.😒
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 2, 2025
"I was surprised, but when Dana said it shouldn't be like that, I said okay, hopefully he's not fighting for the title."
(via: @dc_mma ) pic.twitter.com/cEHAqsCsOe
Meanwhile, many believed that Tsarukyan couldn’t make the 155-pound limit. However, as the backup fighter for UFC 317, he successfully made weight, proving he can hit the mark. With that, the chances of fans witnessing a showdown between Topuria and Tsarukyan have significantly increased.
Arman Tsarukyan Shares His Strategy For A Potential Showdown With Ilia Topuria
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Tsarukyan is currently the number one-ranked lightweight in the division. Following Topuria’s dominant first-round TKO win over Charles Oliveira, fans immediately began speculating about his next opponent. Given Tsarukyan’s top ranking, he’s the logical choice for the title shot. While the fight hasn’t been officially confirmed, the Armenian fighter already has a game plan in mind. In a recent interview with Daniel Cormier, he stated:
“I’m a well-rounded fighter, and I’m not just gonna wrestle him. I’m gonna strike him, kick him, upkick him. Obviously, I’m not gonna try to box him. I’m gonna show him a real MMA fight.”
Arman Tsarukyan Breaks Down His Game Plan for a Potential Fight with Ilia Topuria 🔥👀
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 2, 2025
"I'm a well-rounded fighter, and I'm not just gonna wrestle him. I'm gonna strike him, kick him, upkick him. Obviously, I'm not gonna try to box him. I'm gonna show him a real MMA fight."… pic.twitter.com/o0WSTqUDXI
Meanwhile, Paddy Pimblett stepped into the octagon and came face-to-face with Topuria. The two exchanged heated words, and tensions quickly escalated, leading to a fiery moment that left fans buzzing. With no official confirmation on future matchups, the situation has sparked confusion among fans about who will be Topuria’s next challenger.
Also Read: Arman Tsarukyan Plans To Overwhelm Ilia Topuria With Full MMA Arsenal
