Former ACA welterweight champion Albert Tumenov gave an exclusive interview to Telecomasia.net, where he assessed Arman Tsarukyan's chances in his matchup against UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.
"Everyone is going to try to wrestle against Topuria now. Tsarukyan will also try to grapple. If he can keep him against the cage and take him down, he has a good chance. However, Topuria has the advantage standing. I also believe that Topuria is quite strong in wrestling. It will be tough for Tsarukyan even on the ground.
He comes from a classic background with excellent striking technique. It may seem at first that he only has knockout power, but he is strategic. He can use feints and try to trick opponents. It's difficult, but he makes it work. He doesn't just come in and knock someone out; he sets his opponent up for it.
It's worth noting that Ilia Topuria became the UFC lightweight champion after defeating Charles Oliveira in June 2025. He boasts 17 victories and no losses.
Arman Tsarukyan also defeated Oliveira in his last fight. At UFC 300 in April 2024, he won by a split decision. Tsarukyan holds a record of 22 wins and three losses. He was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev for the UFC title in early 2025 but withdrew from the bout a day before the event due to injury.
