Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria (Photo by Getty Images)

UFC Veteran Says Ilia Topuria is Avoiding Arman Tsarukyan for Legacy Fights

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Apr 14, 2026 2:51 AM ET

Arman Tsarukyan is a different kind of challenge. He is the number one-ranked lightweight, riding a five-fight winning streak. Additionally, he has elite wrestling and years of pent-up hunger from waiting for a title shot. Meanwhile, Beneil Dariush feels this is the reason why Ilia Topuria is avoiding Tsarukyan.

The lightweight champion has already defeated the biggest names in the UFC, like Alexander Volkanovski, Charles Oliveira, and others. And defeating them all with knockouts is something no one has done yet. But Dariush believed that “El Matador” is avoiding Tsarukyan because of his legacy. During his recent interview with Helen Yee Sports, he 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

The UFC veteran also mentioned that if the Spanish fighter defeats the Armenian fighter, he can then move up and fight Islam Makhachev. Meanwhile, MMA fans and stars are waiting for the UFC to make Makhachev vs. Topuria soon, as this is the biggest fight to make.

Jorge Masvidal Calls Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria the Biggest Fight

Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev were accusing each other of turning down their White House card fight. But Dana White himself confirmed that the fight fell through because of Makhachev. Talking about the fight, UFC veteran Jorge Masvidal claimed that the venue doesn’t matter for this fight. In a recent interview with Deathrow MMA, the UFC veteran said:

“Whether it’s at the White House or a KFC parking lot, that’s the fight we want to see. I just want it to get done one way or another. This fight has to get done. That’ll be the biggest fight in a long, long time.”

Jorge Masvidal says the world needs to see Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria no matter the location

“Whether it’s at the White House or a KFC parking lot, that’s the fight we want to see. I just want it to get done one way or another. This fight has to get done. That’ll be the… pic.twitter.com/NygbnrWRJZ
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 17, 2026

According to him, Topuria vs. Makhachev is such a big fight that it could happen anywhere. Even Daniel Cormier mentioned that Makhachev vs. Topuria has to happen, as it’s the biggest fight the UFC can ever make. Indeed, fans are also pumped to see this fight, and even the announcement alone will make the whole community go crazy.

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

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