Archive · 2 Aug 2025
O'Malley: Topuria May Dodge Tsarukyan for Bigger Fights
Ilia Topuria, the UFC lightweight champion, might not fight Arman Tsarukyan next.
Sean O'Malley thinks it's because there are more popular fighters like Islam Makhachev and Justin Gaethje.
These fighters bring more attention and money.
O'Malley, who has also chosen his opponents carefully, understands why Topuria might do this.
Some people think Topuria might be avoiding Tsarukyan, similar to how other champions have chosen their opponents.
Topuria himself mentioned that he would rather give up the belt than risk another canceled fight.
Sean O'Malley suggests Ilia Topuria may avoid Arman Tsarukyan for more marketable fights.
Topuria recently won the lightweight crown by defeating Charles Oliveira.
O'Malley believes fighters like Makhachev and Gaethje offer bigger promotional opportunities than Tsarukyan.
Some analysts compare Topuria's potential avoidance to Jon Jones' approach.
Topuria stated he'd rather vacate the belt than risk another fight cancellation.
- Who
- Sean O'Malley and Ilia Topuria
- What
- Sean O'Malley discusses Ilia Topuria's potential decision to avoid fighting Arman Tsarukyan.
- When
- August 2, 2025
- Where
- United States of America (USA)
- Why
- Because Topuria may prioritize fights that generate more attention and revenue, such as those against more popular opponents.
Those who question Ilia Topuria's moves
N/A
Question of avoiding Tsarukyan
Those who question Ilia Topuria's moves
They believe Topuria might be avoiding Arman Tsarukyan.
N/A
N/A
- UFC Champion
- Ilia Topuria
- Division
- Lightweight
- Contender
- Arman Tsarukyan
- O'Malley's Opinion
- Topuria is prioritizing marketable fights
- Opponent Options
- Makhachev, Gaethje, Pimblett
- Topuria's Stance
- Might vacate belt than risk cancellation