Topuria says Sarkisian would panic against Volkanovski

Ilia Topuria has commented on a possible fight between Arman Sarkisian and Alexander Volkanovski. He said Sarkisian would panic in a fight with Volkanovski, comparing it to Movsar Evloev's fight against Volkanovski. Topuria also said he believes in Volkanovski's chances.

According to Topuria, Sarkisian is used to controlling his opponents. His main weapon is taking opponents down and gaining top position, but his ground skills are not that strong. Evloev also liked to take opponents down and spend time in the clinch, but he could not do that against Volkanovski, panicked and submitted.

According to the database, Volkanovski beat Evloev by TKO in round two at UFC 333 on October 24, 2026. Volkanovski is the UFC featherweight champion. Topuria, who has a 17-1 record, is ranked first in the UFC lightweight division.