Sat Jan 11 08:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Top Contender Tsarukyan Wants Featherweight Champ Topuria to Join Lightweight Division

**INGLEWOOD, Calif.** – Arman Tsarukyan, who challenges Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title on January 18th at UFC 311, believes a move by featherweight champion Ilia Topuria to the 155-pound division would significantly elevate the already star-studded weight class.

Tsarukyan, a fellow Georgian fighter, sees Topuria’s considerable name recognition as a boon for the lightweight division, stating that Topuria’s presence would increase both the division’s popularity and the fighters’ earning potential. He pointed to the existing legacy of famous lightweight fighters like Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Dustin Poirier as evidence of the division’s draw.

While a future matchup between Tsarukyan and Topuria is purely speculative at this point, Tsarukyan’s focus remains firmly on his upcoming title fight against Makhachev. The fight marks a rematch for Tsarukyan, who previously lost to Makhachev in 2019. He expressed confidence in his improved skills and expressed his belief that the fight will be a compelling spectacle for fans. He highlighted their shared grappling skills and all-around abilities as key factors in what he expects to be an exciting and competitive bout.

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