The UFC lightweight division may finally have some clarity as MMA analyst Chael Sonnen claims that the promotion’s intended next title bout at 155 pounds is Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan. While nothing has been officially confirmed by the UFC, Sonnen’s insights strongly suggest that this long-anticipated showdown is closer to reality than fans might think.
Ilia Topuria, the undefeated Spanish-Georgian sensation, has been a meteoric force in MMA over the last few years. With a perfect professional record and a dominant title win over Alexander Volkanovski, Topuria has quickly risen to become one of the UFC’s most talked-about athletes. But with his future unclear—fluctuating between potential contenders and flirtations with the welterweight division—fans have been anxiously waiting to see what comes next.
According to Sonnen, the answer is clear: Arman Tsarukyan.
Sonnen: “It’s 100 percent the plan”
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Chael Sonnen laid out the inside scoop. His message was clear and direct: “Outside of illness or injury, even if I’m breaking news to you, I’m not sharing my opinion. I’m sharing a fact with you: It’s Arman vs. Ilia. That is 100 percent the plan.”
Sonnen’s comments are not baseless speculation. His connections to the situation run deep, citing several personal ties to Tsarukyan’s camp:
“There’s a couple things that have changed for Tsarukyan,” Sonnen explained. “I’m obviously coming to you with information, whether I should have or shouldn’t have. Secondly, I was the best man at his wedding and his name is Darryl Christian and he’s the wrestling coach of Arman Tsarukyan.”
He continued by detailing more behind-the-scenes insight:
“Third of all, I just spoke to coach Sam Calavitta who wanted to film Chimaev training, and it turned out Tsarukyan is in the room.”
Topuria’s Hesitation: A Tactical Move?
Interestingly, Sonnen also commented on Topuria’s public resistance to the fight, suggesting it may not be reluctance but rather a clever psychological play:
“A bigger tell is what Ilia did a week ago, which he said, ‘I don’t want the fight.’ The greats, they don’t even know they have it. … Ilia’s first move for doing a fight is to deny the fight. The only person that he said he’ll openly fight is Paddy.”
This form of negotiation-by-denial has become common among top fighters—downplaying matchups as a means of asserting leverage in contract talks or manipulating public interest. Sonnen seems confident that despite Topuria’s comments, the wheels are already in motion behind the scenes.
Tsarukyan’s Long Road to a Title Shot
If the UFC is indeed preparing to announce Topuria vs Tsarukyan, few would argue that Arman Tsarukyan hasn’t earned it.
The Armenian-Russian lightweight has clawed his way through the stacked 155-pound ranks, taking out elite competition and surviving setbacks. Perhaps his most defining moment came in his recent win over former champion Charles Oliveira, proving that he not only belongs at the top of the division but may be its most dangerous contender.
Sonnen highlighted the struggles Tsarukyan has faced, both politically and athletically, to reach this point:
“(Tsarukyan) got put through a purgatory and he had to get out of it, but he did. When he showed up, got licensed, weighed in, went through a training camp and he has to sit in the first row and even watch Paddy ‘The Baddy’ get in the ring and get the attention and not him, I’m just saying, there is an appreciation, historically, that has shined down – and it’s also going to be shown to him.”
Why This Fight Matters
Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan is not just another title defense—it’s a true meeting of elite next-generation fighters. Both men are under 30, undefeated in their last few appearances, and bring incredibly contrasting yet exciting fighting styles.
Topuria is a knockout artist with precision striking, unrelenting pressure, and devastating power for a lightweight. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan brings a grinding, wrestling-heavy style with ever-improving striking and the kind of cardio that can wear down anyone across five rounds.
This is not just a fight for the belt—it’s a potential rivalry that could define the lightweight division for years to come.
What About Other Contenders?
While some fans are still calling for rematches or big-name fights like Topuria vs Islam Makhachev (should he move up) or even a massive showdown with Conor McGregor, the UFC seems committed to building new stars from the ground up—and this matchup fits the bill.
The fact that Topuria recently dismissed the idea of fighting Tsarukyan may be more of a reflection of promotional tactics than any real disinterest. It’s worth remembering that Topuria’s options are narrowing if he wishes to stay at lightweight, and Tsarukyan is currently the most deserving name not yet crossed off the list.
When Could It Happen?
No date has been confirmed, but analysts and insiders believe that a late 2025 or early 2026 pay-per-view could host this blockbuster title bout. Venues like Madison Square Garden or T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas would be fitting stages for what could be a generational clash.
If the UFC sticks to its plan, fans can expect an official announcement in the coming months. Fight fans worldwide will undoubtedly keep a close eye on both camps as training footage, press interviews, and promotional buildup begin to ramp up.
Final Thoughts
Chael Sonnen may be known for his colorful personality and bold opinions, but this time, he claims he’s reporting fact—not fiction. If he’s right, then Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan is the UFC’s next big play at lightweight.
And if that happens, fight fans are in for a technical masterclass, a stylistic collision, and perhaps the dawn of a new dominant era in the UFC’s most competitive division.
One thing is certain: The lightweight throne won’t come easy.
