Overview

• Arman Tsarukyan has solidified his status as the UFC’s No. 1 lightweight contender with a 9-2 UFC record and four straight wins, though his withdrawal from a UFC 311 title fight has cast doubts on his reliability.
• Ilia Topuria is bypassing his top-ranked challenger to chase blockbuster matchups with the likes of Islam Makhachev, Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett that promise greater promotional value.
• UFC figures Sean O’Malley and Brendan Schaub have defended Topuria’s choice as savvy business strategy, emphasizing risk management and pay-per-view appeal over mandatory order.
• Tsarukyan has fired back through social media—labeling Topuria a “pussy,” staging a viral fast-food troll and publicly urging UFC president Dana White to honor contender rights.
• Critics Michael Bisping and Paul Felder have condemned the champion for ducking his top contender, while Chael Sonnen sees the refusal as a hype-building tactic that will eventually lead to their showdown.