Arman Tsarukyan quickly responded on social media after Ilia Topuria’s swift win over Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 317.
Ilia Topuria had already excited fans ahead of his bout. The “Matador” became the youngest double champion in the organization’s history with a first-round knockout victory over Charles Oliveira. The Spanish fighter of Georgian origin successfully moved up to lightweight by defeating the No. 2 ranked fighter in the division.
Find out who the backup fighter was for Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
Arman Tsarukyan Wants to Face Ilia Topuria
Following Topuria’s win, Arman Tsarukyan reacted on social media:
“It wasn’t supposed to be Charles. I can finish Ilia, it’s that simple. And he knows it too. That’s why he’s avoiding the first real challenger.”
It was never supposed to be Charles. I can finish Ilia, simple as that. And he knows it too. That’s why he’s avoiding the real #1 contender.
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) June 29, 2025
Arman Tsarukyan was the backup fighter for the UFC 317 main event and would have stepped in if either competitor had withdrawn.
In January, at UFC 311, Tsarukyan had to pull out of his title fight against Islam Makhachev due to back issues.
Renato Moicano replaced him on short notice and was defeated in the first round by the Dagestani champion.
