In a recent interview, Arman Tsarukyan proposed a surprising opponent for Ilia Topuria’s next fight as he recovers from an injury sustained in his match against Justin Gaethje. Having suffered his first loss at UFC White House in June, Topuria's path back to title contention remains uncertain.

Tsarukyan's prediction on Topuria's return

Tsarukyan speculated that a matchup against veteran fighter Michael Chandler could be the ideal step for Topuria. He mentioned on the UFC on Paramount+ YouTube channel that after Topuria’s recovery, an easier fight against Chandler might help him regain momentum before re-entering the title conversation.

Topuria's rise and setback

Before his defeat, Topuria was dominating the lightweight division, enjoying an impressive 17-0 streak that included high-profile victories over notable opponents like Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, and Alexander Volkanovski. This setback has placed him in a challenging position as the lightweight division continues to evolve without him.

Upcoming clash for Tsarukyan

Meanwhile, Tsarukyan is preparing for a critical fight against Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on September 19. The winner is expected to be in line for a title shot against Justin Gaethje. Tsarukyan emphasized the importance of this matchup by noting he is already positioned as the number one contender.

Potential for a grudge match

Tsarukyan and Topuria have had a contentious rivalry, though they have yet to face each other in the octagon. Should Tsarukyan secure a title fight after beating Ruffy, it could set the stage for an intriguing grudge match against Topuria, appealing to fans eager for a showdown between these two skilled fighters.