​Arman
Tsarukyan believes Ilia
Topuria isn’t handling his first professional loss well.Justin
Gaethje pulled off a historic upset against Topuria at the
Ultimate Fighting Championship’s White House event this past
June. Topuria was a massive favorite going into his first UFC
lightweight title defense against then-interim champion Gaethje,
who forced a corner stoppage before the final round.
Topuria recently made some curious claims about the fight, drawing
a strong reaction from Tsarukyan.Arman Tsarukyan tells Ilia Topuria to accept his loss to Justin
Gaethje
Gaethje survived a treacherous second round before putting a
beating on Topuria in the third and fourth frames at
UFC Freedom 250. “El Matador” sustained extensive facial damage
and his vision was significantly affected during the fight.
Topuria recently announced that he is medically cleared to return
to action. He also called for a rematch against Gaethje, claiming
the champion put something “weird” in his gloves, prompting a
response from Tsarukyan, who said it would be impossible for
Gaethje to cheat with the athletic commission checking every
step.
Tsarukyan believes Topuria is looking for excuses, which is the
wrong way to deal with a loss. According to the top-ranked
lightweight, Topuria should accept his loss and look into what
mistakes he made.
“Just excuses,” Tsarukyan told Carlos Contreras Legaspi. “How can
the commission let [Gaethje] wear different gloves? They stay in,
check. Just excuses. You got to accept what really happened. You
got to start with what you did wrong. Not finding excuses and
talking about gloves.”
Gaethje has inflicted significant damage to most of his opponents
in the UFC, even in defeat, with many fellow lightweights lauding
his power over the years, including Hall of Famer Khabib
Nurmagomedov.Final medical tests done. I’m
back. To all the clowns who’ve been talking shit and counting me
out this whole time, here I am. Now let’s see who’s got the balls.
Thanks to everyone for the support. Next time I’ll make sure they
check Justin’s gloves so he doesn’t put anything…— Ilia
Topuria (@Topuriailia)
September 16, 2026Arman
Tsarukyan reacts to Ilia
Topuria’s post, saying he will check next time to make sure
there is nothing “weird” on Justin
Gaethje’s gloves.”You have to start with what you did wrong, not make
excuses.”#UFC331pic.twitter.com/DYVmUioYqt—
Carlos Contreras Legaspi 🦁 (@CCLegaspi)
September 16, 2026