Jon Jones predicts Arman Tsarukyan will destroy Ilia Topuria. On June 27, 2026, Jones made this claim at an IBA Bare Knuckle event.
What happened?
Jones was invited into the ring alongside Arman Tsarukyan, where he shared his thoughts on the Armenian contender's future.
Why it matters for Jon Jones
Jones believes Tsarukyan is already a champion in the eyes of the people, and it's only a matter of time before he becomes a great champion.
What comes next?
Arman Tsarukyan responded to Jones' prediction with a humorous wrestling callout, saying "If you said Topuria brother we gotta wrestle."
Jones laughed and squared up to Tsarukyan as if they were about to wrestle, before posing for photos. This exchange came as Tsarukyan's title campaign is gaining traction again, with many fans believing he was overlooked for the interim lightweight title earlier this year.
Tsarukyan owns a win over lightweight contender Charles Oliveira from UFC 300 and submitted Dan Hooker in his last Octagon outing. He will face Colby Covington, the former interim welterweight champion, in the main event of RAF 11 next month.
Charles Oliveira is not backing down from the race, having recently revealed that his camp has already spoken with the UFC and expects clarity on his next fight within the next week or two. Oliveira told MMA Fighting, "I'm just waiting for a phone call."
Justin Gaethje's win over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 has sparked a big debate among fight fans and pundits about the lightweight title picture. Paddy Pimblett believes neither Tsarukyan nor Oliveira deserves to skip the line.
Jon Jones' prediction has added fuel to the fire, with many fans eager to see how the situation unfolds. As the lightweight title picture continues to heat up, one thing is certain - Arman Tsarukyan is a force to be reckoned with.
The former UFC heavyweight champion's bold prediction comes as no surprise, given his confidence in Tsarukyan's abilities. With Tsarukyan's resume only getting better, it's likely that he will be a top contender for the title in the near future.
As the situation continues to unfold, fans will be keeping a close eye on the lightweight title picture. With Jones' prediction and Tsarukyan's humorous response, it's clear that this is a story that will continue to develop in the coming weeks and months.
The UFC has yet to announce its plans for the lightweight title, but with the likes of Jones, Tsarukyan, Oliveira, and Pimblett all vying for a shot, it's likely to be a thrilling ride. As the debate rages on, one thing is certain - the lightweight title picture is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
On June 27, 2026, Jon Jones made it clear that he believes Arman Tsarukyan has what it takes to become a champion. With his skills and confidence, it's likely that Tsarukyan will be a top contender for the title in the near future.
The exchange between Jones and Tsarukyan was a lighthearted moment in an otherwise intense debate about the lightweight title picture. As the situation continues to unfold, fans will be eager to see how it all plays out.
Arman Tsarukyan's response to Jones' prediction was a humorous one, but it's clear that he's taking the situation seriously. With his title campaign gaining traction, it's likely that he will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming months.
The lightweight title picture is about to get a whole lot more interesting, with the likes of Jones, Tsarukyan, Oliveira, and Pimblett all vying for a shot. As the debate rages on, one thing is certain - the UFC has a tough decision ahead of it.
The former UFC heavyweight champion's prediction has added fuel to the fire, with many fans eager to see how the situation unfolds. With Tsarukyan's resume only getting better, it's likely that he will be a top contender for the title in the near future.
As the situation continues to unfold, fans will be keeping a close eye on the lightweight title picture. With Jones' prediction and Tsarukyan's humorous response, it's clear that this is a story that will continue to develop in the coming weeks and months.