Tsarukyan names Chandler as ideal tune-up for Topuria before lightweight title return

Arman Tsarukyan has named Michael Chandler as the ideal stepping stone for Ilia Topuria’s return to the lightweight title picture, following Topuria’s stunning first career loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC White House in June.

Speaking in a recent interview, Tsarukyan outlined a straightforward path back for the Georgian star, who suffered facial injuries in the hard-fought defeat and whose recovery timetable remains unclear. “He’s still recovering and probably next for him a fight with Michael Chandler and then come back and fight for the title,” Tsarukyan said. “Who else? After this fight, he needs someone easy, an easy fight, and then after that fight come and fight again.”

The suggestion is a notable one. Chandler, a well-known veteran of the 155-pound division, has not competed since a loss to Charles Oliveira in 2022, though he remains a recognisable name in the lightweight landscape. Tsarukyan’s framing of him as a “tune-up” reflects just how far Topuria’s stock has shifted after what had been one of the most dominant runs in recent MMA history.

Prior to the Gaethje defeat, Topuria had compiled a 17-0 record, capped by consecutive championship-fight knockouts over Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, and Alexander Volkanovski — the latter two at featherweight. The loss to Gaethje ended that run abruptly and handed the lightweight title back to the American.

Meanwhile, Tsarukyan himself has little time to dwell on others’ futures. He is set to face Mauricio Ruffy in a five-round co-main event at UFC 331 on September 19 in Los Angeles, a contest widely expected to determine the next challenger for Gaethje’s title. Tsarukyan is aware of what is at stake. “Already No. 1 contender,” he said when asked about the significance of the bout.

Should Tsarukyan win and eventually claim the title, a grudge match with Topuria — a rivalry that has simmered for years without producing a fight — could become one of the most compelling bouts in the division. “When I beat Ruffy, I’m going to fight for the title and then I can pick who I want to fight,” Tsarukyan said, naming Topuria, Charles Oliveira, Paddy Pimblett, and Max Holloway among the contenders he has in mind.