Arman Tsarukyan prefers to face Topuria over Oliveira for UFC title

Arman Tsarukyan, UFC lightweight division’s number one contender, has expressed his view on potential title fight — preferring to face new champion Ilia Topuria over Charles Oliveira.

The Armenian fighter, who hasn’t yet received a title shot in the 155-pound division, recently missed an opportunity to face Islam Makhachev just one day before their scheduled bout.

“I hoped Topuria would win, because it’s easier for me to face him than Oliveira,” Tsarukyan told MMAFighting.

“With my fighting style focusing on knockouts, facing Oliveira is more risky — when you go for a takedown, he can still submit or choke you,” he added.

This statement comes after Topuria defeated Oliveira to claim the UFC lightweight championship.