Despite his stunning win at UFC 317, Ilia Topuria has come under fire for his expected choice of challenger as lightweight kingpin.
Making history during International Fight Week, unbeaten finisher Topuria became the first two-weight champion in the promotion — while boasting an undefeated record.
And taking out former champion Charles Oliviera with a hellacious opening round KO win, Topuria added to his featherweight plunder won just last year.
Gearing up for a return against his arch-enemy, Paddy Pimblett, in his first title defense at 155lbs, Topuria has a certain other foe blasting that dubious decision.
Arman Tsarukyan claims Ilia Topuria is taking the easy route at lightweight
Missing out on his chance to face off with the undefeated Spaniard in the Octagon — for which Tsarukyan blames the veteran Joe Rogan, the number one contender has a bone to pick with Topuria.
Not guaranteed a shot at the crown next as maintained by Dana White, despite his rank, Tsarukyan claims he should be brought into the fray before Pimblett, especially.
“I’m not impressed,” Arman Tsarukyan told Uncrowned of Ilia Topuria. “Maybe if I was in his situation, I would pick easy fights, too.
“If he’s going to see me or Paddy (Pimblett), Paddy is easier to fight. …Topuria, you know who is the number one contender is.
“Don’t try to play with anybody. I’ll see you soon,” Tsarukyan warned.
But prior to Tsarukyan’s comments this week, Topuria appeared to once more flip-flop on what could be next for him as he chases another elusive rival.
Ilia Topuria eyes historic title fight with Islam Makhachev
Achieving his second crown in the Octagon over the weekend, Topuria has sights set on breaking another record.
With Russian rival Makhachev set for an imminent move to 170lbs, if he were to beat Jack Della Maddalena for gold, his immediate title defense may already be lined out.
As far as Topuria is concerned, given their dominance, organizational brass should pit them in a blockbuster championship pairing.
“I would love to see Islam (Makhachev) getting the title,” Ilia Topuria told TMZ Sports this week. “And the UFC letting me go up to 170 [pounds] and getting the third belt.”
And should he win welterweight gold, former bantamweight, Topuria, would become the first fighter in UFC history to win gold in three separate weight classes.
A route to welterweight has already presented itself, with Belal Muhammad offering Topuria a fight at 170lbs, too.