Arman Tsarukyan isn’t impressed with the UFC’s matchmaking, and he’s not hiding it any longer. While Ilia Topuria appreciates his championship spotlight and growing popularity, the Armenian lightweight believes the promotion is making a deliberate attempt to keep them apart. In his opinion, Dana White and the UFC are defending ‘El Matador,’ their new poster boy, from the one man who can dethrone him.

Tsarukyan’s discontent has grown since his razor-thin victory over Charles Oliveira in April 2024, when he was officially crowned the No. 1 contender. Despite this, he has been scheduled to face Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar next month, rather than for the title. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a fighter who was only inches away from the belt earlier this year.

“Just me can beat Ilia” — Arman Tsarukyan snubs ‘The Baddy,’ confident in dethroning Ilia Topuria

But ‘Ahalkalakets’ argues that he knows why this is happening, and it has nothing to do with merit. When speaking with Ariel Helwani, Arman Tsarukyan did not mince words as he gave the UFC and Paddy Pimblett a brutal reality check. “No. No way. Ilia… just me can beat Ilia. That’s all for now in our division. And everybody knows that. Even UFC knows that. That’s why they’re trying to push him as much as possible,” he said. Of course, this comes on the heels of Topuria’s next challenger being Paddy Pimblett, Max Holloway, or Justin Gaethje as contenders over Tsarukyan.

For Arman Tsarukyan, this isn’t arrogance; it’s confidence earned by years of grappling, grinding, and proving himself against the elite. “Yeah, but if I go and perform very well and finish Hooker, they cannot avoid me anymore.” His tone conveyed both conviction and annoyance, a combination that only fighters with something to prove can hold.

Despite Ilia Topuria’s dominance and rising stardom, ‘Ahalkalakets’ feels that styles make fights, and his grappling-heavy, high-pressure approach is the perfect recipe for defeating the Spanish-Georgian striker. “I have to show that I will fight for the title and I deserve to be there,” he said.

He further added, “I feel very good, just going there to do my job, and I don’t care what they think about my performance.” Tsarukyan, who recovered from a back injury that sidelined his title battle with Islam Makhachev earlier this year, now sees UFC Qatar as his personal proving ground. Dana White has confirmed that the winner of Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker will take on Topuria next year, so the stakes have never been higher.

For the Armenian, this is more than just a fight; it’s a battle for recognition. If his words are any indication, he is not only coming to win; he is also coming to ensure that the UFC and Ilia Topuria can no longer ignore him. And once he gets that title shot, he already knows how to beat him.

‘Ahalkalakets’ reveals master plan to dethrone Ilia Topuria

Arman Tsarukyan isn’t just calling out Ilia Topuria; he’s drafting a strategy to dethrone him. While Topuria’s impressive highlights and viral gym clips present him as unstoppable, ‘Ahalkalakets’ finds a crucial flaw: he has not been tested under constant wrestling pressure. The Armenian’s strategy is straightforward: push ‘El Matador’ beyond his comfort zone and exploit the stamina and grappling weaknesses that Topuria’s stand-up-focused training leaves exposed. “If I ever fight [Topuria], I’ll make him tired with my wrestling,” Tsarukyan said.

He further added, “He spends all day hitting pads and boxing. Nobody takes him down during his trainings. He brings in some random sparring partners, drops them, and everyone thinks he’s so great. I think if we send him to any gym in Chechnya or Dagestan, amateurs there will be taking him down and smashing him.” The Armenian’s comments highlight a strategy based on pace, pressure, and forcing Topuria to fight outside of his comfort zone.

Before that showdown can happen, Arman Tsarukyan must first defeat Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar. A strong performance would not only secure his next title shot but would also prove that his game plan is more than just talk: he is prepared to apply the constant pressure that he feels will finally topple Ilia Topuria.