Is the UFC protecting its champion? Sean O'Malley thinks so, and his reasoning might surprise you. He believes the UFC might actively avoid booking a fight between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan, and it all boils down to how dangerous he perceives Tsarukyan to be. Let's break down why O'Malley thinks this fight might never happen.
For those just catching up, Arman Tsarukyan recently dominated Dan Hooker at UFC Fight Night 265 in Qatar, securing a second-round submission victory. Following that impressive win, Tsarukyan didn't mince words, immediately calling out Ilia Topuria, the current UFC lightweight champion. Now, Tsarukyan is definitely in the title conversation alongside other contenders like Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje. But here's where it gets controversial... Is Tsarukyan too dangerous for the UFC's plans?
According to former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley, the UFC sees Tsarukyan as a serious threat to Topuria's reign. On his YouTube channel, O'Malley stated, "Arman is no fcking joke." He elaborated, "Arman vs. Ilia is an interesting matchup. I do not think the UFC will make Arman vs. Ilia because I think they love Ilia as a champion. He's a great champion, and I don't think they really want Arman to become champion." O'Malley's central argument is that the UFC might be hesitant to put Topuria in a fight where he has a high probability of losing. He even admitted, "He has a fcking legitimate chance of beating Ilia. Can't believe I said it. I think Ilia might knock him out, but if anyone has a chance at beating Ilia at 155, it's Arman."
And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about Tsarukyan's skill, but also about the UFC's investment in Topuria as a marketable champion. Topuria's undefeated record (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) and charisma make him a valuable asset to the organization. A loss could significantly diminish his star power, and the UFC might be trying to avoid that outcome. Think of it like protecting a prized investment.
It's also worth remembering that Tsarukyan was originally scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311 in January, but he had to withdraw the day before due to an injury. This unfortunate incident potentially robbed him of an earlier title shot. Currently, the 29-year-old is riding a five-fight winning streak, solidifying his position as a top contender. But does a winning streak automatically guarantee a title shot? That's the million-dollar question.
So, is O'Malley right? Is the UFC strategically avoiding a Topuria vs. Tsarukyan matchup? It's a valid point, and it raises a larger question: How much does the UFC weigh the marketability of a champion versus the merit of a challenger? Is it the UFC's responsibility to ensure the most exciting matchups, even if it risks a champion's reign? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Do you think the UFC is protecting Ilia Topuria, or is Arman Tsarukyan just another contender in a stacked division?
