The UFC lightweight division isn’t just heating up inside the cage — it’s on fire outside of it, thanks to a now-viral jab from top contender Arman Tsarukyan aimed directly at undefeated champion Ilia Topuria. In what may be the pettiest and most hilarious MMA taunt in recent memory, Tsarukyan posted a video of himself chasing a duckling around a wooden deck, claiming he had named it “Ilia.”

That duckling may be small, but the statement behind it is massive.

A Duck Named Ilia: Tsarukyan’s Troll Level 100

In the short clip that blew up across MMA social media, Arman Tsarukyan is shirtless and barefoot, chasing a tiny duckling on his patio. He crouches low, his muscles tensed as if ready to explode into action — only instead of hunting a UFC title, he’s playfully scooping up a fuzzy little bird.

The caption reads:

“Arman Tsarukyan taunted Ilia Topuria by posting a video where he was pursuing a duckling he named ‘Ilia.’”

And just like that, the internet exploded.

MMA fans immediately caught on to the symbolism — Tsarukyan is calling Topuria a duck, accusing the reigning featherweight champ of dodging a fight. The post might be funny on the surface, but underneath, it’s a biting commentary on Topuria’s continued refusal to entertain a bout with Tsarukyan.

Ilia Topuria: Champion, Undefeated… But Avoiding a Real Threat?

Let’s rewind. Ilia Topuria, now 15-0 and the reigning UFC featherweight champion, has been on a tear. After dominating Alexander Volkanovski and firmly establishing himself as one of the most dangerous men in MMA, Topuria made it clear that he’s not interested in fighting Arman Tsarukyan, despite the Armenian-Georgian contender climbing the rankings and defeating top talent like Charles Oliveira.

Topuria boldly stated:

“I don’t give a f**k about Arman. I’d rather vacate my title than fight him.”

That quote has now come back to haunt him. With every dominant performance from Tsarukyan, the pressure mounts. And now, with the duckling video lighting up the internet, fans are openly asking: Is Ilia Topuria ducking Arman Tsarukyan?

The Fans Respond: “Quack Quack, Topuria”

MMA Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram were flooded with reactions, memes, and polls. A few favorites:

• “Topuria is the duck. Arman just caught him. No more excuses.”

• “Never seen a funnier callout. This is 10/10 trolling.”

• “Is this how you get a title shot in 2025? Find a duck?”

The tone may be playful, but the message is clear: Tsarukyan has captured the public’s attention, and the pressure is now firmly on the champ.

Many fans noted that Topuria has gone radio silent on Arman. He’s called out Islam Makhachev, flirted with super fights, and even hinted at jumping weight classes — but the name “Arman Tsarukyan” doesn’t come up unless someone else brings it up.

And when it does? Ilia shrugs it off.

That silence is now being interpreted as a duck move. Hence… the duck.

Arman Tsarukyan: From Underdog to Meme Lord

Tsarukyan, 27, has long been considered one of the most technically sound and relentless lightweights on the UFC roster. His gritty fight with Islam Makhachev remains one of the most competitive bouts Makhachev has faced. Since then, Arman has sharpened his game, racking up statement wins and rising through the ranks.

But one thing he had lacked until now? A big platform.

With this duckling stunt, Arman has done what press conferences and callouts couldn’t — he’s created a viral moment that has people demanding action.

Some fans now argue that this is the kind of creative, clever energy that makes a fighter a superstar in the age of social media.

“We always say you have to sell the fight. Well, Arman just sold it,” said one Reddit user.

Topuria’s Silence: Strategic or Scared?

So far, Ilia Topuria has not responded to the video or the duckling drama. No tweet. No Instagram story. No snarky quote in an interview.

Some see this as proof that he’s above it all, that he doesn’t want to entertain Tsarukyan’s antics. Others believe he’s ducking hard and has no good response because Arman is the one fighter who truly threatens his aura of dominance.

And it’s not just about banter — it’s about legacy.

If Topuria wants to be seen as an all-time great, he can’t be viewed as avoiding challenges. Especially not when fans, media, and even fellow fighters are starting to call him out for it.

Could This Actually Force the UFC’s Hand?

Dana White and UFC matchmakers are always looking for fights that generate buzz, and right now, no rivalry is trending harder than Tsarukyan vs. Topuria. The duckling meme is everywhere. Hashtags are flying. Fans are demanding answers.

And while Topuria may want bigger names or more lucrative fights, the UFC might soon have no choice but to make this matchup happen. If it doesn’t, Topuria risks damaging his brand — and Tsarukyan gains even more leverage in the court of public opinion.

Will Topuria Respond?

That’s the big question.

Will Ilia Topuria ignore the mockery and move on to a different opponent?

Or will he snap back with his own insult, his own meme, maybe even a counter-duckling?

Or — dare we dream — will he finally agree to settle things in the Octagon?

Final Thoughts: Duck Season Is Open

Arman Tsarukyan may not have landed a punch on Ilia Topuria — yet. But with one goofy, creative video, he may have done more damage than any fist could deliver.

He exposed the one thing Topuria can’t KO: public doubt.

Now, the ball is in Ilia’s court. He can keep ignoring Arman and risk being labeled a ducker forever. Or he can rise to the occasion, accept the challenge, and give the fans the violent, high-stakes clash they’re dying to see.

Whatever happens next, one thing is clear: in this feud, it’s Arman Tsarukyan who just landed the first clean shot — and it came with feathers.