Arman Tsarukyan claims Islam Makhachev is avoiding a fight with former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev responded to a callout from lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, who has reignited his feud with the titleholder by accusing him of avoiding a fight with former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. According to Arman Tsarukyan, Islam Makhachev is keeping Ilia Topuria away to avoid criticism over his selection of easier, undersized opponents. Arman Tsarukyan also made a bold claim at the same time that he is the most credible and final challenge for Islam Makhachev in the lightweight division, which, if won, would ensure the champion’s dominance.
Arman Tsarukyan spoke on the JAXXON Podcast about the current controversy surrounding Islam Makhachev's reluctance to defend his lightweight title against Ilia Topuria, who recently vacated his featherweight title to challenge for the 155-pound belt.

Ilia Topuria probably moved up from featherweight as he was promised a title shot, Arman Tsarukyan suggested. Islam Makhachev is not interested in fighting Ilia Topuria at the moment, he said, even if he wins, the critics would say it was just another win over a small, non-top contender. The place Arman Tsarukyan made in the division was a strong statement after he was booked to fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 before pulling out with a back injury.
The lightweight championship scene has grown increasingly complex as Ilia Topuria continues to pressure for an immediate title shot after vacating his featherweight crown. According to MMA journalist Alvaro Colmenero, the UFC is considering booking Islam Makhachev versus Ilia Topuria for UFC 317 during International Fight Week on June 29 in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan has struggled to secure an opponent as top contenders await clarity on the championship picture. The 28-year-old has indicated he will remain patient until the title situation resolves before committing to his next fight.
"Right now, because it's a dangerous fight, and I don't have a title," Tsarukyan explained regarding his difficulty finding opponents. "Everybody wants to fight for the title, and when the title fight is going to get booked, then I'm going to get the fight."
Fans can watch how this lightweight drama unfolds at UFC 317 on June 29, 2025, streaming live on ESPN+ pay-per-view from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
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With Islam Makhachev's mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov also suggesting Ilia Topuria should earn his spot against a top lightweight first, the division's title picture remains one of the most intriguing storylines in the UFC heading into summer.