Chael Sonnen has confidently declared that Arman Tsarukyan will be Ilia Topuria's next opponent for the UFC lightweight championship. The former UFC fighter and current MMA analyst shared this information during an interview with MMA Junkie, presenting it not as mere speculation but as confirmed fact.
"Beyond illnesses or injuries, although I'm giving you news, I'm not sharing my opinion. I'm sharing a fact: it's Arman Tsarukyan against Ilia Topuria. That's the plan one hundred percent," Sonnen stated firmly.
Sonnen went on to explain several reasons why he believes the Armenian fighter is next in line, including conversations with Tsarukyan's wrestling coach Darryl Christian and observations about Topuria's typical pre-fight behavior.
Interestingly, Sonnen pointed out that Topuria's recent denial of wanting to fight Tsarukyan actually reinforces his belief that the match is happening. According to him, this is part of the champion's strategy.
"The first move Ilia makes to set up a fight is to deny it. The only person he openly said he would fight was Paddy. He denies everyone else he's preparing to fight. It's simply his approach," Sonnen explained.
The analyst drew parallels between Topuria's approach and that of Anderson Silva, who reportedly used similar tactics of denial and misdirection before his fights. Sonnen suggests this is a calculated pattern rather than genuine reluctance.
By the way, Sonnen also defended Tsarukyan regarding his previous weight miss against Makhachev, which led to what he describes as a "purgatory" period for the fighter. He believes Tsarukyan has served his punishment and deserves this title shot.
Will Topuria continue his denial tactics before eventually accepting the fight with Tsarukyan? If Sonnen's inside information proves correct, we might see this championship match announced sooner rather than later.
