Ilia Topuria’s Friend Says Arman Tsarukyan Would Struggle Everywhere In The Fight

Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan (Image Credits: Imagn)

Ilia Topuria’s Friend Says Arman Tsarukyan Would Struggle Everywhere In The Fight

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Apr 15, 2026 4:40 AM ET

Khabib Nurmagomedov once backed Arman Tsarukyan to defeat Ilia Topuria. And many also accused Topuria of avoiding the fight with Tsarukyan. But the lightweight champion’s close friend and former UFC champ, Merab Dvalishvili, explained how the Spanish fighter will win the fight against Tsarukyan.

Dvalishvili said that “El Matador” would beat the Armenian fighter if they ever fought. The former bantamweight champion said Tsarukyan’s wrestling would not be enough because he didn’t think anyone could take Topuria down consistently. In an interview with Demetrious Johnson, Dvalishvili said:

“I respect Arman Tsarukyan, but since Ilia is champion in this weight class, even if Arman fights Ilia, Ilia beats Arman. You can’t take Ilia down, it doesn’t even make sense. Then Arman has to box with Ilia too, and then Ilia will knock out Arman Tsarukyan.”

Merab Dvalishvili says Arman Tsarukyan won’t be able to take Ilia Topuria down and sees a knockout finish

"I respect Arman Tsarukyan, but since Ilia is champion in this weight class, even if Arman fights Ilia, Ilia beats Arman. You can't take Ilia down, it doesn't even make… pic.twitter.com/YkqDcmIlkn
— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) April 14, 2026

Charles Oliveira struggled to take Topuria down at UFC 317, but Oliveira gave Tsarukyan a tough challenge during their fight. The lightweight champion is booked against Justin Gaethje at the UFC White House card, and after that, many suggested he should fight Tsarukyan if he won.

Beneil Dariush Says Ilia Topuria is Only Fighting for Legacy

Beneil Dariush believed that Ilia Topuria was protecting his legacy and may have been avoiding Arman Tsarukyan. Dariush pointed out that Topuria had been chasing legacy fights, and his wins over former UFC champions built his resume really strong. During his recent interview with Helen Yee Sports, the UFC veteran said:

“I think Ilia is looking for legacy fights like he fought Volkanovski, Max, and Charles Oliveira. These are all big legacy fights. I think Arman is too because he has a good future. I think Arman is a tougher test too, so it’s like take a fight that might be easier and better for your legacy.”

Beneil Dariush believes Ilia Topuria is going for legacy fights instead of facing a tougher test like Arman

"I think Ilia is looking for legacy fights like he fought Volkanovski, Max, and Charles Oliveira. These are all big legacy fights. I think Arman is too because he has a… pic.twitter.com/Kgk6s8uJrd
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 14, 2026

According to Dariush, Arman was not only a tougher test because of his wrestling and current form, but he also had a bright future ahead of him. Fans waited to see what was next for the lightweight champion after the White House card and who he would face next.

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

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