Former UFC contender Jorge Masvidal is eager to see a moth-watering clash between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan, but he’s not convinced the fight will materialize anytime soon.
Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC), widely regarded as one of the top lightweights in the world, has found himself on the outside of the title picture since withdrawing from a scheduled championship bout against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January 2025. The late pullout has seemingly stalled his momentum, despite his strong standing in the division.
Meanwhile, Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) now holds the lightweight title and is set to face interim champion Justin Gaethje in a title unification bout scheduled for June 14 at a high-profile event at the White House. With the division in flux, Tsarukyan is hoping to secure a shot at the winner, but Masvidal isn’t confident that opportunity will come easily.
Speaking on his Death Row MMA podcast, Masvidal pointed to UFC president Dana White as the key decision-maker in Tsarukyan’s situation.
“I don't know if he fights him. If he gets the winner of (Topuria vs. Gaethje), because Dana can be a stubborn dude, as stubborn as anybody that I've ever seen, you know?” Masvidal said. “Dana's the one that's put the stop on him, and Dana's the only one that can lift (it). And nobody else in that company can say when Arman's gonna fight and it sucks because I'm one of these guys that feels like, yeah he F'd up…I think it was either the day before, the day of, he pulled out. Like, yeah, he F'd up. I get it. You sat him out already one time, but how much longer can you sit this guy out, you know?”
Masvidal also emphasized Tsarukyan’s standing in the division, arguing that his profile and résumé merit another opportunity sooner rather than later.
“And as far as name-wise goes, at 155, I mean, besides Charles Oliveira, you know, which he beat, he's got the biggest name, biggest clout, biggest following behind him, you know?” Masvidal continued. “So I just want to see that damn fight already. And I don't want it to be like four or five years from now. I'd rather be while they're both on the prime.”
Having spent time in the gym with both fighters, Masvidal praised their athleticism and skill sets, calling them elite competitors in today’s lightweight division.
“I've trained with both of them a good amount of times. I think both of them are like the next level athlete, way above average with the speed, with the power, with the explosion. They're both phenomenal athletes, and they both can fight really, really good,” he said.
Despite his respect for Tsarukyan, Masvidal ultimately leans toward the reigning champion in a potential matchup.
“I put my money on Ilia, though. I'll be honest with you. I've got tons of respect for Arman. I think he's one of the best lightweights out there. I'm putting my money on Ilia.”
