Ilia Topuria is not losing any sleep over Arman Tsarukyan’s role as the official backup fighter for UFC Freedom 250, and he made his feelings about the situation abundantly clear at Friday’s press conference in Newark.
Speaking during a media scrum, Topuria was asked about Tsarukyan’s presence and whether the rivalry between the two makes things feel more personal heading into fight week.
“It absolutely doesn’t matter to me. The only thing that’s important to me is that everything goes smoothly. No matter what, I’ll be in that cage. Whether they put Justin, Arman, or you in front of me, it doesn’t matter. I’ll be there, and the outcome will be the same for everyone.”
When a follow-up question suggested Tsarukyan had made things personal, Topuria dismissed the premise entirely.
“Personal? You don’t take the words of a child personally. Arman can say whatever he wants, he can dedicate his whole day to me. What can I say? I don’t take anything personally. You have to be a little stupid to take things personally.”
Dana White confirmed Tsarukyan’s backup role earlier this week, meaning the Armenian contender will step in to face either Topuria or Gaethje if either man is forced to withdraw from the card before fight night.
UFC Freedom 250 takes place June 14 at the White House South Lawn in Washington D.C.