Outside Source
Paul Felder thinks Ilia Topuria shouldn’t be denying opponents. | Getty/UFC
Paul Felder is disappointed in Ilia Topuria for refusing to fight Arman Tsarukyan.
Topuria won the featherweight title against Alexander Volkanovski last year and defended it only once against Max Holloway. “El Matador” subsequently moved up to lightweight even though there were clear contenders like Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev at featherweight.
Advertisement
Topuria won the vacant lightweight title with a knockout win over Charles Oliveira last month. While Arman Tsarukyan is the clear No. 1 contender at lightweight, Topuria called out Paddy Pimblett for his first title defense. “El Matador” further shocked fans by saying he would rather vacate his belt than fight Tsarukyan, as he doesn’t want to give the Russian a chance.
Felder doesn’t like the current trend of champions looking to jump weight classes and trying to pick opponents. The former UFC lightweight believes a champion must fight whoever is put in front of him. Felder argues that if Topuria considers himself levels above Tsarukyan, the Georgian-Spaniard should just prove it.
Felder Not Thrilled with New Generation of Fighters
“In this generation of fighters, when they get to this top position, are so willing to jump around weight classes and try to deny fighting guys,” Felder said on the “Believe You Me” podcast. “It’s not how it f—-ing works. If the guy is number one and the UFC says, ‘This is the guy.’ You’re the champ, you’re holding that belt, that’s who you fight. If you’re the best and he’s not on your level and all this kind of stuff, then prove it. I hate that.”
Tsarukyan hasn’t fought since a split decision win over Charles Oliveira in April 2024. “Ahalkalakets” was scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the title this past January before pulling out due to an injury.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
Help support MMACrazies.com when you shop Amazon by starting your online Amazon shopping at MMACrazies.com/recommends/amazon. You are not charged extra, but we receive a small and very helpful commission on everything you purchase. Thanks for thinking of us every time you shop at Amazon.
