Chael Sonnen and Arman Tsarukyan (Photo by Imagn Images)

UFC Veteran Chael Sonnen Drops Big Claim on Arman Tsarukyan’s Next Fight: 'It’s Already Done'

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Apr 4, 2026 3:12 PM ET

Arman Tsarukyan is becoming one of the biggest UFC stars without even actively fighting in the promotion. He is often involved in wrestling matches and live streams with famous influencers. But he’s among the top fighters who deserve the title shot, and UFC veteran Chael Sonnen says Tsarukyan’s next fight is already booked.

Sonnen claimed it’s really hard to think who the Armenian fighter will face next if not in a title fight. He mentioned the only matchup that truly makes sense right now is against the winner of Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje. 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

Indeed, the Armenian fighter has done enough to earn his shot now. He recently defeated Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar. Now he’s just waiting for the right moment and opponent to be confirmed. But Tsarukyan really wants the lightweight champ to be his next fight.

Arman Tsarukyan Says Fans Might Not Like If He Doesn’t Face Ilia Topuria Next

Arman Tsarukyan has been making ducking allegations against Ilia Topuria since Topuria became the lightweight champ. The Armenian fighter now says fans might have an issue if the UFC doesn’t set up Topuria vs. Tsarukyan. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Tsarukyan said:

“We are both on the, young, and on our prime. Everybody’s gonna talk about that fight. 50% gonna think I’m gonna win, 50% gonna think Ilia’s gonna win. If it’s not you next, then we have a massive problem… My fans gonna have a problem with UFC.”

Arman believes a fight against Ilia would be massive because they are both in their prime and the odds would be 50-50.

"We are both on the—young, and on our prime. Everybody's gonna talk about that fight."

"50% gonna think I'm gonna win, 50% gonna think Ilia's gonna win."… pic.twitter.com/bl2MluePsm
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 30, 2026

Despite not being very active inside the UFC, Tsarukyan is keeping his hype alive through wrestling matches. He’s becoming the biggest star in the industry now. But he also believes he’s done proving himself outside and is fully focused on finally getting his shot at UFC gold.

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

More must-reads: