Arman Tsarukyan Explains Why Ilia Topuria Should Choose Islam Makhachev Over Him

Ilia Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan, and Islam Makhachev (Photo by Imagn Images)

Arman Tsarukyan Explains Why Ilia Topuria Should Choose Islam Makhachev Over Him

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated May 31, 2026 5:13 AM ET

If Ilia Topuria wins against Justin Gaethje at the UFC White House card, who he would face next is the biggest question. Fans always wanted to see Topuria against Islam Makhachev. However, Arman Tsarukyan was also in line, which made his future more interesting.

The Armenian fighter believed it made more sense for “El Matador” to chase a superfight with Makhachev rather than defend his title against him. He mentioned that a fight with the Dagestani fighter offered Topuria the chance to become a three-division champion. During his recent interview with Mike Heck, Tsarukyan said:

“It’s a third title, big money, and if he loses to Islam, it’s okay. … If he loses to me at 155 [pounds], he’s going to be gone.”

Arman Tsarukyan says it's "better for Ilia Topuria to fight Islam [Makchaev] than him," after his fight against Justin Gaethje:

"It's a third title, big money, and if he loses to Islam, it's okay. … If he loses to me at 155 [pounds], he's going to be gone."

(: @mikeHeck_JR) pic.twitter.com/pk0ZYQhtQL
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) May 31, 2026

Meanwhile, fans had also seen the Spanish fighter trash-talking with the welterweight champion, which fueled their fight hype. However, the 29-year-old recently praised Makhachev and appeared to have made peace with him.

Ilia Topuria Praises Islam Makhachev and Makes Peace With Him

Despite months of trash talk and growing rivalry talk, Ilia Topuria appeared to have cooled down the hype surrounding a potential superfight with Islam Makhachev. The lightweight champion praised Makhachev’s accomplishments, suggesting he had made peace with him. Talking about it during an interview with VicBlends, Topuria said:

“For me personally, it wouldn’t change anything. I don’t hate Islam Makhachev. I don’t have anything personal against him. He’s achieved great things in the sport, he’s a double champ like me, and if you do me and Islam, it will be one of the biggest fights in UFC history.”

Ilia Topuria says nothing changes for him if the Islam Makhachev fight never happens

“For me personally, it wouldn’t change anything. I don’t hate Islam Makhachev. I don’t have anything personal against him. He’s achieved great things in the sport, he’s a double champ like… pic.twitter.com/sbAoumKVTP
— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) May 27, 2026

This fight was so hyped that it was directly compared to Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov. Additionally, Topuria said he didn’t need the fight to validate his career. Now the Spanish fighter was currently focused on the White House card.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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