Tsarukyan teases Topuria... chasing a duck!
The Armenian shared a video on social media chasing a duck, alluding to the Spanish-Georgian running away from him.
Arman Tsarukyan continues his efforts to get Ilia Topuria’s attention. The Armenian, currently ranked No. 1 in the lightweight division, is determined to secure a title shot and wants the Spanish-Georgian champion to make his first defense against him—at any cost.
After repeatedly calling for the fight on social media, Tsarukyan took a more creative approach by posting a video in which he chases a duck, clearly implying that El Matador is running from him. “Stop running, Ilia!” Tsarukyan shouts in the clip as he catches the bird and cradles it in his arms.
The symbolism is clear. In English, the term “ducking” is a synonym for deliberately avoiding something—an accusation Tsarukyan is leveling at Topuria. According to him, the champion is afraid to defend the lightweight title against him.
But Topuria sees things differently. He claims he doesn’t trust Tsarukyan. Back in January, Arman was scheduled to face Islam Makhachev for the title but pulled out the day before the fight, citing a back injury. That explanation didn’t fully convince the UFC, and Dana White himself has said Tsarukyan will need to earn another title shot.
That’s what Tsarukyan is trying to do now—push Topuria into demanding the matchup himself. But Ilia isn’t taking the bait. He says his mistrust stems from that last-minute withdrawal and doesn’t want to risk history repeating itself.
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For the moment, the fighter most likely to challenge Topuria next appears to be Justin Gaethje. Ranked fifth in the division, the American remains one of the UFC’s top draws. “I think they’re going to try to push for Justin Gaethje, or maybe even Paddy Pimblett,” Topuria said in a conversation with the Nelk Boys. “There’s not even a conversation about Arman Tsarukyan.”
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