UFC Not Interested In Ilia vs Arman

The UFC lightweight division has always been one of the toughest, most competitive, and most unpredictable divisions in the sport.

Champions rarely stay on top for long, contenders rotate with every big event, and a single win or loss can change the future of the weight class.

Now, with Ilia Topuria holding the lightweight belt and Arman Tsarukyan surging after a dominant submission victory over Dan Hooker, fans expected the UFC to move quickly toward booking this matchup.

On paper, Ilia vs Arman looks like a dream fight. Two young, aggressive, highly technical fighters with real championship credentials and big fan followings.

But despite the hype among fans and analysts, the UFC appears cold and uninterested in building this rivalry at least for now.

Many insiders believe the promotion has other plans for Topuria, possibly bigger, flashier matchups that serve a broader business purpose.

This raises the question:

Why isn’t the UFC pushing Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan — even though Arman has clearly earned the spot?

Let’s take a deep dive into the current landscape of the lightweight division, Arman’s rise, Topuria’s star power, and why the UFC may be holding this fight back.

Arman Tsarukyan’s Statement Win Against Dan Hooker

Arman Tsarukyan has always been considered one of the most skilled and well-rounded fighters in the lightweight division.

His wrestling, fight IQ, transitions, scrambling ability, and growing confidence in striking make him a complete mixed martial artist.

When he faced Dan Hooker in his most recent fight, many believed Hooker’s toughness, length, and striking experience would test Arman.

Instead, Tsarukyan delivered one of his most dominant performances to date.

A Dominant Submission Win

Arman took Hooker down with ease, controlled him intelligently, and eventually locked in a rear-naked choke that forced Hooker to tap.

It wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. Arman showed he’s not just another contender; he is a real threat to anyone at lightweight, including the champion.

Why This Win Matters

Dan Hooker isn’t an easy opponent for anyone. He has fought elite names like Dustin Poirier, Islam Makhachev, and Michael Chandler.

A dominant finish of a veteran like Hooker is the kind of performance that usually secures a title shot.

This is exactly why fans immediately began calling for Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan.

Fans Believe Arman Is the Only Lightweight Who Can Challenge Ilia Topuria

Ever since Ilia Topuria won the lightweight belt, fans and analysts have been debating who can realistically challenge him. The truth is simple:

Most lightweight contenders don’t match up well with Topuria’s skillset.

Ilia is undefeated, confident, aggressive, powerful, and extremely technical.

He has excellent boxing, elite timing, and a strong grappling base that comes from years of hard training.

Many fighters in the division may be talented, but very few have the complete package needed to truly threaten him.

Among the entire division, Arman Tsarukyan stands out. Here’s why:

Arman’s Wrestling Matches Ilia’s Grappling Power

Ilia has handled strong grapplers before, but Arman isn’t just a grappler — he is one of the very best at lightweight. His takedowns, transitions, ground control, and scrambling ability pose a real challenge to the champion.

Arman’s Striking Has Improved Rapidly

Arman isn’t known primarily for striking, but he has grown significantly in this area. He mixes kicks, punches, and pressure well enough to disrupt Ilia’s boxing rhythm.

Cardio and Pace

Tsarukyan fights with a constant pressure that forces opponents into mistakes. Ilia is powerful, but he hasn’t faced someone like Arman who pushes pace for all five rounds.

Arman Has Shown He Can Improve Fast

From his close fight against Islam Makhachev to his recent wins, Arman has shown tremendous growth. This makes him a real threat.

All of this creates a narrative that fans love:

Ilia Topuria may be the strongest champion at lightweight, but Arman Tsarukyan has the tools to beat him.

And yet, the UFC seems uninterested in booking this fight right now.

Why UFC Is Not Interested in Booking Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan Now

While this matchup makes perfect sense for fighters and fans, the UFC is not always driven by rankings or merit. The promotion often prioritizes business, star power, and mass appeal.

Based on recent behavior and industry insiders, here are the main reasons the UFC may not be pushing this fight:

The UFC Might Want Ilia Topuria to Become a Bigger Star First

Ilia Topuria has quickly grown into one of the UFC’s most promising stars.

His undefeated record, highlight performances, Spanish-Georgian fanbase, and confident personality make him marketable.

The UFC might want to build his star power even more before throwing him into a dangerous fight like Arman Tsarukyan.

Big names sell pay-per-views. And while Arman is respected by hardcore fans, he isn’t yet a mainstream draw.

The UFC may think:

• Let Ilia defend his belt against a bigger name
• Let Arman get one more huge win
• Then build the rivalry later for even higher stakes

UFC Might Prefer “Bigger Business Fights” Like Ilia vs Islam

Rumors are already circulating about a potential superfight between Ilia Topuria and former lightweight champion, now welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.

Islam is one of the biggest names in the sport, and Ilia vs Islam would be a massive global event.

A fight between a Georgian-Spanish superstar and the dominant Dagestani champion would attract fans from multiple regions.

This fight is bigger commercially than Ilia vs Arman.

If UFC can book Ilia vs Islam, they will always prioritize it.

UFC Might Consider Ilia vs Paddy Pimblett

Like it or not, Paddy Pimblett is a big name. His personality, popularity in the UK, and massive social media following make him one of the most marketable fighters in the UFC.

If Paddy wins one or two more fights, the UFC could consider a huge PPV event featuring Paddy vs Ilia — especially in Europe.

It may not be the most competitive fight, but it is definitely a huge business opportunity.

Arman Tsarukyan Isn’t Being Promoted As a “Money Fight” Yet

Arman has the skillset to beat Ilia, but he doesn’t yet have the mainstream star power. Hardcore MMA fans respect him, but casual fans don’t know him well enough.

The UFC often delays high-risk, low-reward matchups.

From a business perspective:

• Tsarukyan is dangerous
• Tsarukyan doesn’t bring huge pay-per-view numbers
• Tsarukyan could derail Ilia’s rise too early

This is why UFC might be protecting Ilia for now.

Timing and UFC Scheduling Plans

The UFC usually plans championship fights months in advance. If Ilia has already been slotted for a future date or opponent, the promotion won’t change that quickly even if Arman makes a big statement.

Tsarukyan’s win over Hooker puts him in line, but maybe not immediately.

It’s also possible UFC wants Arman to fight another top contender like:

• Justin Gaethje
• Charles Oliveira
• Mateusz Gamrot (rematch)
• Dustin Poirier

A win over any of these would make the title shot undeniable.

Ilia Topuria’s Path: Why UFC Is Building Him Slowly

The UFC knows Ilia Topuria is a potential long-term champion. His fighting style, confidence, and fan following make him a major asset.

Topuria is in a similar position as Conor McGregor early in his run:

• Young
• Charismatic
• Explosive striking
• Exciting style
• Huge global fan base

The UFC may be building Ilia into a crossover superstar, and that requires strategic matchmaking.

If Ilia beats another major name first, the UFC can guarantee higher PPV sales for future fights, including a match with Arman.

Does the UFC See Arman as a Risk to Ilia’s Stardom?

This is one of the biggest reasons the UFC may delay the fight.

Arman Tsarukyan has perhaps the worst style matchup possible for Ilia Topuria.

Wrestling-heavy, pressure-heavy fighters with long gas tanks are historically a problem for explosive strikers.

If Arman beats Ilia now, the UFC loses a potential superstar before he reaches his full mainstream potential.

• This doesn’t mean the UFC is afraid of the matchup.
• It simply means they want to time it perfectly.

What Makes Ilia vs Arman a Must-Book Fight Eventually

No matter what the UFC plans, fans know this fight is inevitable. At some point, Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan will meet inside the Octagon because of the following reasons:

They’re the Two Most Skilled Young Fighters at Lightweight

Both are in their athletic prime and improving rapidly. Their skillsets complement and challenge each other perfectly.

Both Have International Fanbases

Ilia carries Spain and Georgia. Arman represents Armenia. Both have strong global support.

The Fight Is Guaranteed To Be Technical and Violent

A perfect mix of high-level grappling, striking, and scrambling exchanges.

There Are Not Many Other Contenders Who Truly Threaten Them

Gaethje, Poirier, and Oliveira are legends — but not at their peaks anymore.

Eventually, the UFC will have no choice but to make this fight.

Who Really Wins: Ilia Topuria or Arman Tsarukyan?

This is where things get interesting.
Most analysts agree that Ilia is the more explosive fighter, but Arman is the more complete fighter.

Why Ilia Could Win

• Powerful, accurate boxing
• Elite timing
• Aggressive finishing instincts
• Strong top control
• Championship confidence

Why Arman Could Win

• Better wrestling
• Stronger cardio
• Higher pace
• More grappling experience
• Excellent scrambles
• Ability to neutralize striking through pressure

It’s one of the most evenly matched potential title fights in years.

Conclusion: UFC Isn’t Avoiding the Fight — They’re Delaying It for Maximum Value

Arman Tsarukyan’s win over Dan Hooker proved he deserves a title shot.

Fans believe he is the only lightweight who can truly push Ilia Topuria to the limit. But despite this momentum, UFC appears uninterested in promoting Ilia vs Arman immediately.

That doesn’t mean the fight won’t happen. It simply means the UFC is planning their timing carefully.

The promotion might prefer:

• A bigger money fight for Ilia
• A larger European PPV
• A superfight with Islam
• A mainstream matchup with Paddy
• Or more time to turn Ilia into a global star

But eventually, the UFC will have to book Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan — one of the most exciting, competitive, and meaningful lightweight fights in years.

And when that day comes, the world will finally see whether Ilia’s explosive power or Arman’s relentless pressure will define the future of the lightweight division.