UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has had some interesting words for Arman Tsarukyan in a recent interview.

As we know, Ilia Topuria is one of the biggest stars in all of mixed martial arts right now. He is the former UFC featherweight champion, and he is the current UFC lightweight champion. At UFC Freedom 250, he will defend the belt against Justin Gaethje, in what will likely serve as the challenger’s final shot at a world championship in the promotion.

RELATED: Dustin Poirier shares what Justin Gaethje must do to defeat Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250: “This fight he has to be perfect”

For Topuria, though, there are plenty of other options out there beyond Gaethje, if he’s able to get the job done. He could go up to welterweight to take on Islam Makhachev, or, he could remain at 155 pounds and look to finally settle the feud between himself and rising star Arman Tsarukyan.

In a recent interview, Topuria had some things to say about the supposed wealth of Tsarukyan.

Ilia Topuria expone a Arman Tsarukyan: “Es un niñato, no es ni rico, ni su padre tampoco, juega a comprar relojes y coches revenderlos en Rusia, es un pringado”

Entrevista exclusiva en ABC MMA 🔜 pic.twitter.com/HovLTCMK80

— Álvaro Colmenero (@KOlmeneroMMA) May 20, 2026

Topuria discusses Tsarukyan’s wealth

“He has the mind of a little kid, you know?,” Topuria said of Tsarukyan in a translated interview with ABC. “He’s a man child who is playing a game. I think he’s playing the rich guy game and 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, you know? 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 for real. He’s like a loser.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

It’s clear to see that these two don’t like each other. Who knows – if things play out the way that many expect, there’s a decent chance we will see them collide before the end of the year.

Are you excited by the possibility of Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan? In a fight like that, who would you back to win and why? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!