Ahead of UFC 317, Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria exchanged fiery comments about their opponents and future matchups. Topuria, who is set to fight Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title, criticized Tsarukyan's decision to be the backup fighter, suggesting that he wouldn't stand a chance against either him or Oliveira. In response, Tsarukyan countered that he is Topuria's worst possible matchup, asserting that Topuria's title choice revealed he wants to avoid facing him directly. The rivalry emphasizes the fighters' strategic posturing in the competitive lightweight division.
That's a bad decision for him. I don't know why he accepted, because you can't come here as a backup fighter. I don't know how long did he train for this fight, but if something happens to anyone, even to me, I think that there's no possibility that something could happen with me, but who knows? No none knows what's gonna happen tomorrow. Even with Charles, he would struggle a lot. And with me, it is like, he has no chances. No chances. Like, first round, first minutes of the fight. What he's going to do? Go for the takedowns. Bro, come on.
You better pray nothing happens to Charles, because I'm the worst possible matchup for you in this division. There's a reason you're fighting the guy I already beat, and not me, for that belt.
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