Ilia Topuria is preparing for a massive showdown with Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn. But somehow it was Arman Tsarukyan who ended up catching the biggest stray shots during Topuria’s latest interview.
During a long sit-down interview with Spanish-language Youtube channel KOlmenero, the undefeated UFC star was asked about Tsarukyan potentially serving as the backup fighter for the Gaethje matchup.
What followed quickly turned into one of the funniest verbal takedowns we have seen from “El Matador” in a while.
“He has the mind of a little kid”
Topuria initially explained that he prepares for every possible opponent and does not care whether it is Gaethje or Tsarukyan standing across from him. According to Topuria, Tsarukyan would panic the moment they actually stepped inside the cage together.
“He has the mind of a little kid. He’s a brat playing a game.”
Topuria then went on a bizarre but hilarious rant about Tsarukyan pretending to be wealthy.
“He’s playing the rich guy game. And he’s not even rich. Neither is his father. I’m telling you.”
“He bought a car and sent it to Russia to resell it.”
Watch the full interview here
Topuria doubts Tsarukyan would even accept the fight
The most surprising part was that Topuria does not even believe Tsarukyan would take the fight on short notice if the UFC called him.
“What I think would happen is he wouldn’t fight.”
Topuria suggested Tsarukyan mainly accepts backup roles because the UFC pays him to make weight.
“He shows up because they pay him to make weight.”
Topuria Remains Confident But Respectful of Justin Geathje
Still, despite all the trash talk, Topuria made it clear that his main focus remains Gaethje. And confidence is definitely not lacking. Accoding to him, there is very little danger in the matchup itself.
“On a technical level, on a skills level, I see him far below me,” Topuria said.
“I’m 100% sure, I have complete faith that I’m going to put him to sleep in the first round.”
While acknowledging that “a single punch can change the course of the fight,” Topuria insisted Gaethje would need “luck and miraculous things” for the fight to swing in his favor.
Topuria Already Looking Ahead to Islam Makhachev
Ilia Topuria was also asked about a possible future showdown with Islam Makhachev. “El Matador” acknowledged that the matchup has become one of the most anticipated fights in the sport and suggested discussions around it are very real.
Topuria added that his future plans will depend on whether he still feels motivated after the Gaethje fight. But made it clear he believes he has the tools to defeat Makhachev if the UFC eventually books the fight.
“I feel like the best athlete in the world.”
“So I’m 100% sure I would beat him and I would beat him the way I want. I could submit him, I could finish him.”
Wat do you think? Is Topuria underestimatng Geathje? And how would he fare against Arman at lightweight or Islam at welterweight.