Ilia Topuria is preparing for one of the biggest fights of his career, but that hasn’t stopped him from taking aim at a top contender waiting in the wings.
As “El Matador” gears up to face Justin Gaethje in a lightweight title unification bout at the UFC White House event on June 14, he has turned his attention toward Arman Tsarukyan, who is set to serve as the official backup for the main event.
Tsarukyan has built an online reputation for showcasing a lavish lifestyle, frequently posting photos of luxury cars, expensive watches, and high-end experiences. But Topuria isn’t convinced any of it reflects reality.
Speaking in an interview with Alvaro Colmenero, the reigning UFC lightweight champion didn’t hold back.
“He has the mind of a little kid,” Topuria said. “He’s a man-child who is playing a game. I think he’s playing the rich guy game. He’s neither rich nor is his father, I’m telling you. He’s just not.”
Topuria doubled down by comparing Tsarukyan’s behavior to people he considers genuinely wealthy.
“I know a huge amount of rich people, none of them, none, like not a single one of them is like that,” he said. “He’s playing a game of buying a car and sending it to Russia to resell it. And I think he’s not even rich, I’m telling you. He’s a loser.”
Despite the harsh criticism, Tsarukyan’s performances inside the cage continue to speak for themselves. The 29-year-old Armenian has been on a strong run, stacking multiple wins and positioning himself near the top of the division.
Still, “El Matador” appears skeptical that Tsarukyan is eager to face him if the opportunity arises, even with his role as the designated backup for the June 14 headliner.