TLDR
- Arman Tsarukyan says Ilia Topuria should fight Michael Chandler next, calling it an ‘easy fight’
- Topuria lost his lightweight title to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in June via fourth-round TKO
- The former champion suffered double orbital bone fractures and multiple facial cuts in the defeat
- Chandler has lost four straight fights, most recently being knocked out by Mauricio Ruffy
- Tsarukyan faces Ruffy at UFC 331 on September 19 in Los Angeles
Sources: mmajunkie.usatoday.com | sports.yahoo.com | nyfights.com
Arman Tsarukyan has suggested that former UFC champion Ilia Topuria should fight an unranked opponent in his return to the Octagon. The Armenian contender specifically named Michael Chandler as the ideal comeback matchup for the former titleholder.
Topuria lost his lightweight championship to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in June. The fight ended in a fourth-round TKO when Topuria’s corner stopped the bout between rounds.
The loss marked the first of Topuria’s career after an impressive undefeated run through both the featherweight and lightweight divisions. The Spaniard walked away from the fight with serious injuries, including double orbital bone fractures and multiple facial cuts.
Tsarukyan’s Comeback Plan for Topuria
During an interview on the UFC on Paramount+ YouTube channel, Tsarukyan was asked where Topuria fits in the lightweight title picture. His response appeared to be a dig at the former champion.
Don't forget ☝️
Ilia Topuria fell to a washed 40-year-old Justin
Whereas Islam Makhachev beat a younger, taller opponent and almost finished him by KO pic.twitter.com/iQgvwwLVxt
— Out Of Context MMA (@OutOfC0ntextMMA) August 16, 2026
“He’s still recovering and probably next for him a fight with Michael Chandler and then come back and fight for the title,” Tsarukyan told the UFC. “Who else? After this fight, he needs an easy fight, and then after that fight come and fight again.”
The suggestion of Chandler seems particularly pointed given the veteran’s recent struggles. Chandler, who is 40 years old, has now lost four consecutive fights in the UFC.
His most recent defeats came by knockout to Mauricio Ruffy at UFC Freedom 250 and Paddy Pimblett in his previous outing. Chandler’s overall UFC record stands at 2-6.
Tsarukyan recently called for the UFC to cut Chandler from the roster following the knockout loss to Ruffy. The Armenian fighter’s comments about Topuria fighting Chandler appear to continue that narrative.
Topuria’s Previous Success
Before the loss to Gaethje, Topuria had assembled an impressive resume. He captured UFC titles at both featherweight and lightweight, becoming a two-division champion.
His knockout victories included wins over Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira. There had even been discussion about Topuria moving up to welterweight to challenge Islam Makhachev for a third UFC title.
That dream run ended abruptly on June 14 against Gaethje at the White House. Topuria was battered so badly that his corner made the decision to stop the fight after the fourth round.
The former champion has handled the loss with humility, according to reports. However, his confidence leading into the Gaethje fight made him a target for criticism from other fighters.
Tsarukyan and Makhachev were among those who took shots at Topuria following the defeat. Tsarukyan’s recent comments suggest he is not finished with his criticism.
There is currently no timeline for when Topuria will return to competition. The Spaniard was recently spotted celebrating Spain’s FIFA World Cup victory and was seen in Miami with soccer player Ferran Torres.
Photos show that his facial injuries appear to have healed considerably. However, no official announcement has been made regarding his next fight.
Tsarukyan is scheduled to face Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC 331 on September 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. He already considers himself the number one contender at lightweight.
“When I beat Ruffy, I’m going to fight for the title and then I can pick who I want to fight,” Tsarukyan said. He listed himself, Charles Oliveira, Paddy Pimblett, Topuria, and Max Holloway as the top contenders in the division.
Tsarukyan’s record stands at 23-3 overall and 10-2 in the UFC. A victory over Ruffy, who is 14-2 overall and 5-1 in the UFC, would strengthen his case for a title shot.
