Arman Tsarukyan Breaks Down Ilia vs Charles and Predicted ‘Topuria Will Finish Him’
The MMA world is abuzz with anticipation for UFC 317’s main event, and Arman Tsarukyan has thrown fuel on the fire with a bold breakdown of the Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira lightweight title clash. The No. 1-ranked contender stunned fans with his prediction, declaring, “Topuria will finish him,” setting the stage for an explosive showdown on June 28 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Tsarukyan’s Explosive Analysis
At 12:40 AM +07 today, Tsarukyan, fresh off a training session in Los Angeles, joined a live MMA podcast to dissect the upcoming fight. The 28-year-old Armenian star, who recently positioned himself as a backup for the event, didn’t hold back. “Ilia’s got the power and the hunger,” Tsarukyan said, his voice brimming with confidence. “Charles is tough, but Topuria will finish him—maybe a knockout or a submission in the third round. His striking is too much.”
Tsarukyan’s prediction hinges on Topuria’s undefeated 16-0 record, including a devastating knockout streak, against Oliveira’s 35-10 record, which, while impressive, shows signs of wear from recent battles. Having faced Oliveira himself at UFC 300, where he won by split decision, Tsarukyan believes Topuria’s youth and aggression will overpower the Brazilian veteran. “I felt Oliveira’s gas tank fade,” he added. “Ilia won’t give him a chance to recover.”
The Context of the Fight
UFC 317, part of International Fight Week, pits Topuria, the former featherweight champ who vacated his belt to move up, against Oliveira, a former lightweight king seeking to reclaim glory. The vacant title emerged after Islam Makhachev moved to welterweight, leaving the 155-pound division wide open. Topuria’s recent training clips, showcasing his chiseled physique and grueling sprints, have fueled optimism, while Oliveira’s resilience—highlighted by his win over Michael Chandler at UFC 309—keeps him in contention.
Tsarukyan, sidelined after a back injury forced him out of UFC 311, sees this as a chance to stay relevant. “I’m ready to step in if needed,” he said, echoing his earlier willingness to back up the fight. His firsthand experience with Oliveira gives weight to his breakdown, though some question if his bias toward Topuria stems from their shared grappling prowess.
Reactions Ignite the MMA Community
The prediction has sparked a frenzy online. Posts found on X show fans split—“Tsarukyan knows Oliveira’s weaknesses, Topuria’s got this!” versus “Oliveira’s submission game will surprise them all!” Fellow fighters like Mateusz Gamrot have weighed in, suggesting Oliveira’s size advantage could turn the tide, but Tsarukyan dismissed this, insisting, “Size won’t save him from Ilia’s hands.”
Oddsmakers have shifted, with Topuria now at -370 and Oliveira at +285, reflecting Tsarukyan’s influence. The Armenian’s confidence has also fueled speculation about his own title shot, with some fans clamoring for a Tsarukyan-Topuria showdown if Ilia wins.
What’s Next?
With UFC 317 just weeks away, Tsarukyan’s bold call adds immense pressure to the main event. Will Topuria deliver the finish Tsarukyan predicts, or will Oliveira’s veteran savvy prove him wrong? The octagon holds the answer.
What do you think? Will Topuria finish Oliveira, or can “Do Bronx” pull off the upset? Share your thoughts below!