Ilia Topuria is turning up the heat on Arman Tsarukyan as he prepares to defend his lightweight championship against interim titleholder Justin Gaethje at UFC White House on June 14.
Topuria is set for a unification bout with Gaethje in the main event, with Tsarukyan scheduled as the backup fighter. While locked in on Gaethje, the champion has aimed sharp criticism at Tsarukyan’s image and intentions.
"He has the mind of a little kid," Topuria said, before questioning Tsarukyan’s lifestyle away from the cage. "He’s a manchild 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. I know a huge amount of rich people, none of them, none, like not a single one of them is like that."
Topuria also dismissed the idea that Tsarukyan would step in to face him on short notice at UFC White House. "If they give Tsarukyan a week’s notice, he won’t fight me at the White House," he said. "He only shows up to make weight because they always put him as a backup since my fights actually matter. Since he needs the money, he’ll go make weight."
Despite the verbal shots, Topuria emphasized he is ready for any opponent, including Tsarukyan. "I’ve been wrestling since I can remember. I’m prepared to the maximum, I prepare for any type of scenario. I’m ready," he said, adding that he would "look for that dominance from the start with wrestling" if they were to meet.
