Ilia Topuria changes stance on Arman Tsarukyan fight, open to backup role

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Ilia Topuria hasn’t always been keen on a fight with Arman Tsarukyan.

With Paddy Pimblett no longer in the immediate title frame, it’s become one of the most significant fights that can be put together at lightweight.

Tsarukyan’s ideal scenario would see him face Topuria at the White House event on June 14, and he’s preparing as though he might get the call.

The only problem is that a Justin Gaethje injury, which Tsarukyan hinted at on April Fool’s Day, doesn’t necessarily mean ‘El Matador’ will remain on the card against another opponent.

Topuria open to facing Tsarukyan if Gaethje drops out of the White House card

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Arman Tsarukyan has suggested Justin Gaethje step aside on June 14, hoping to take his place. But for that to happen, Ilia Topuria would need to be on board with the change.

Topuria changed his tone during a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, where he suggested he’ll be ready to fight no matter who stands across from him at the White House.

“If they call me tomorrow and they tell me Justin is injured and I have to fight Arman, I will fight Arman, no problem,” Topuria said. “If they call me and they tell me that Arman is injured and I have to fight Ariel, I’m gonna fight Ariel, no problem. I go whoever, whenever, I’m ready.”

Topuria still doesn’t see Tsarukyan as much of a challenge and recent comments only reinforced that stance.

“He’s a kid. His mentality, he’s dumb as f—. Everything that I saw about him on the internet, it’s embarrassing. F— Arman, who cares about him… He’s not on my level. If we cross paths, I’m gonna break his jaw in the first round.”

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