In the UFC, most fighters rise from humble beginnings, battling adversity to earn success and millions through sheer grit and hard work. That underdog story is almost a tradition. But fighters like Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria break the mold coming from wealth and still choose the fight game. Daniel Cormier recently reacted to learning that Topuria, like Tsarukyan, comes from family money. For Cormier, it’s a rare twist in the usual narrative of rich men willingly stepping into the cage to fight.
DC jokes about how unusual it is to see wealthy guys competing for a UFC title who didn’t earn their fortune through fighting. Cormier says it’s wild because typically, rich people don’t choose the fight game. The idea of two financially set fighters going to war in the Octagon flips the usual narrative—where struggle fuels hunger—on its head. He finds it both hilarious and fascinating.
“Could you imagine two rich dudes fighting for the UFC title? Two rich dudes that didn’t get their money from fighting would be the craziest thing, because rich dudes don’t fight,” he said.
Daniel Cormier finds out Ilia Topuria has that family money just like Arman Tsarukyan 💰👀
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 1, 2025
"Could you imagine two rich dudes fighting for the UFC title? Two rich dudes that didn’t get their money from fighting would be the craziest thing, because rich dudes don’t fight."
(via… pic.twitter.com/GYFXoqRjxi
Aside from the surprising detail that both Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan come from wealth, their potential fight is truly one of the best matchups the UFC can offer right now.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Coach Feels Arman Tsarukyan Is Biggest Threat To Ilia Topuria
Javier Mendez believes Tsarukyan poses the biggest threat to Topuria. While Justin Gaethje could bring challenges, Tsarukyan’s grappling-heavy approach stands out. Mendez sees the potential matchup as a war of attrition, with Tsarukyan forcing a relentless ground game. The real question is whether Topuria can handle that level of pressure.
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His performance against Charles Oliveira showed flashes of brilliance, especially his midair switch during a takedown attempt, but Tsarukyan offers an entirely different kind of test. Both are young, hungry, technically elite, and carry an aura of invincibility.
