“Hits harder” - Tsarukyan’s words of praise for potential UFC title rival
Ahead of his UFC Fight Night clash with Dan Hooker in Qatar, Arman Tsarukyan spoke to Red Corner MMA.
Armenian fighter Arman Tsarukyan has touched down in Qatar ahead of his main-event clash this Saturday at UFC Fight Night, where he’ll face Australian contender Dan Hooker.
The bout headlines the card and could position the winner as a serious challenger for the lightweight title currently held by Spanish-Georgian star Ilia Topuria.
“Dropped almost every opponent”
Speaking to Red Corner MMA, Tsarukyan praised Topuria’s fighting style and highlighted the challenges Islam Makhachev would face if the long-anticipated showdown between the two ever materializes.
“Ilia hits harder than Della Maddalena,” the 29-year-old said. “Maddalena has fewer knockdowns than Ilia - Ilia dropped almost every opponent he fought.”
“No beef”
Despite the ongoing back-and-forth with Topuria, Tsarukyan insists there’s no bad blood and says he’d have no problem greeting him in Doha, where the lightweight champ will be on hand to support his brother Aleksandre, who’s also competing at UFC Fight Night Qatar.
“I have no issues with anyone - neither Ilia, nor Hooker,” Tsarukyan said. “So I can easily meet anyone and have a word with them. I will say hello to everyone. I have no beef with any of them, nor any questions for them. If I had any I would not wait till I just meet them by chance.”
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