UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev does not believe there is any reason to smooth things over between Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria, arguing that tension between the two only increases the financial upside of a potential fight. Chimaev, who previously trained with Topuria and still has ties to El Matador’s team through his friend Guram Kutateladze, made it clear he sees rivalry as good business.
Speaking about the possibility of mending fences between Tsarukyan and Topuria, Chimaev made his position clear: “Why make peace between them? It’s better for business, for money. If they make peace, there won’t be any money. If they fight, I’ll send Guram to the other side, and I’ll be on Arman’s side.”
The comment adds another layer to a matchup that already has strong appeal for MMA fans. A fight between Tsarukyan and Topuria would carry major implications across divisions, especially if Topuria continues to pursue high-profile options outside his current title picture. For Tsarukyan, a win over a star like Topuria would strengthen his standing as one of the most dangerous contenders in the sport. For Topuria, beating a physically strong, well-rounded opponent like Tsarukyan would further cement his reputation as one of the UFC’s biggest crossover names.
From an American fan perspective, this is exactly the kind of fight promotion sells best: elite talent, real tension, and teams taking sides publicly. Chimaev’s involvement also matters because he has personal connections to both camps, which makes his stance more than just outside commentary. In today’s UFC landscape, personal animosity often does as much to drive interest as rankings do.
If this matchup gets closer to reality, the focus will shift quickly from social tension to competitive stakes — and whether the heat between Tsarukyan and Topuria can turn a big fight into a blockbuster one.
