“He Wrestles”: Charles Oliveira Believes Arman Tsarukyan Can ‘Beat’ Ilia Topuria

Since his debut in 2020, Topuria has been unbeatable; put him up against anyone, and he would win. Even top featherweight elites such as Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway couldn't withstand his wrath.

Topuria even defeated Oliveira in a lightweight title bout last year at UFC 317. Surprisingly, seasoned lightweight Justin Gaethje got the best of Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 in June. Oliveira now believes Tsarukyan can do the same. 

Charles Oliveira Breaks Down Potential Tsarukyan vs. Topuria

Oliveira, who has lost to both Tsarukyan (by decision) and Topuria (by knockout), discussed how the fighters might perform in a lightweight matchup in an interview with AFL Global. 

Citing his own error of engaging in a stand-up contest with Topuria, Oliveira stated that Tsarukyan will not do the same. He feels the Armenian will take Topuria to the ground, which will be a game-changer. 

Oliveira said, “I think Arman is quite capable of winning. Ilia definitely has the power to knock you out cold. If you look closely at Tsarukyan's fights, all he does is take his opponents down to the ground.”

Furthermore, the Brazilian star stated that taking Topuria to the mat and rag-dolling him would be the ideal winning strategy for the #2-ranked lightweight if the bout comes to fruition. 

“He wrestles on the ground, relying on grappling. If it goes to the ground, it's a completely different game. I think that's the right tactic against Topuria," ‘Do Bronx’ added.

Tsarukyan is much more confident now that Topuria has fallen to Gaethje, claiming that the battle would be easy work for him. However, he has not competed in the UFC since defeating Dan Hooker in November last year. 

What’s Next for Arman Tsarukyan?

Since his loss to Mateusz Gamrot in 2022, 'Ahalkalakets' has gone unbeaten. With a five-fight win streak, he is currently the most talked-about contender for the UFC lightweight title. 

However, his previous withdrawal from a UFC 311 championship bout against Islam Makhachev due to a back injury did not sit well with Dana White and the UFC. 

Thanks to his social media shenanigans outside the cage with Nina Marie Daniele, Tsarukyan is well in the limelight. He has also actively participated in wrestling contests at RAF (Real American Freestyle).

Although he is aiming for the ultimate gold, Tsarukyan revealed in an interview that he had heard Gaethje would not fight again this year. As a result, he will be looking forward to a rematch against Charles Oliveira or Max Holloway at UFC 331 in Los Angeles. 

"I am gonna make it happen," Tsarukyan boasted of fighting in front of Armenian supporters in Los Angeles. While no opponent has been announced, one thing is certain: if Arman Tsarukyan wins, he will undoubtedly earn a crack at the lightweight crown.