Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan (Image Credit: Imagn Images)

Arman Tsarukyan Sends Brutal Warning to Ilia Topuria Over Lightweight Move: 'I’ll Beat Him Again'

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Apr 5, 2026 2:51 PM ET

As the White House card gets near, Arman Tsarukyan has started taking shots at Ilia Topuria. He’s said multiple times that Topuria ducked him, but ‘El Matador’ denied it and said he can knock out Tsarukyan, also. But now the Armenian fighter gives a stern warning to the Spanish fighter.

Topuria is seeking his shot at Islam Makhachev, and many believe he can beat him. The lightweight champ might have to move to 170 for that, but Tsarukyan gives his take on ‘El Matador’ potentially moving up. In a recent video, the UFC lightweight star said:

“I think it’ll be smart for him to move up to face Islam and make a lot of money. If he wins, he becomes a legend in this sport. If he loses, he comes back down and I beat him again and the UFC cuts him.”

Arman Tsarukyan on Ilia Topuria potentially moving up

“I think it’ll be smart for him to move up to face Islam and make a lot of money. If he wins, he becomes a legend in this sport. If he loses, he comes back down and I beat him again and the UFC cuts him.” #MMA pic.twitter.com/yVv15Frn79
— The Fight Fanatic (@FightFanatic_) April 5, 2026

The Armenian fighter said it actually makes sense for Topuria to go up and fight the Dagestani fighter for the money and legacy. But fans also wait for Tsarukyan’s next fight, though UFC veteran Chael Sonnen believes his next fight is already booked.

Chael Sonnen Says Arman Tsarukyan Might Face the Winner of Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje Fight

Arman Tsarukyan is Ilia Topuria’s toughest test as Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Tsarukyan has a 70-80% chance of defeating Topuria. Talking about that, Chael Sonnen believes Tsarukyan might face Topuria if he wins against Justin Gaethje at the White House. During his recent video, the UFC veteran said:

“So, who are you going to put him with? I have a very difficult time making sense of anybody as the roster sits right now aside from the winner of Geathje vs. Ilia. I have a very hard time, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Not if you go back to my original hypothesis, which is the potential next opponent for Tsarukyan is currently booked.”

Chael Sonnen believes Arman Tsarukyan's next opponent is already booked (and he's waiting for the "White House" winner)

Via: @ChaelSonnen pic.twitter.com/QaCJKBXDMV
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 3, 2026

According to the UFC veteran, the only matchup that really makes sense right now for the Armenian fighter is against the winner of Topuria vs. Gaethje. If this happens, fans might see ‘El Matador’ facing the lightweight star, and they will see the clash of the best.

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

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