By FCF Staff

Ilia Topuria has repeatedly shot down the possibility of fighting Arman Tsarukyan next, and Michael Bisping is questioning whether that’s a good look for the new lightweight champ.

Since Topuria took out Charles Oliveira in June to secure the lightweight belt, he’s echoed what UFC CEO Dana White has said: Tsarukyan needs to secure another win before getting a title shot.

Ever since Tsarukyan withdrew from a bout with Islam Makhachev at the last minute at UFC 311 in January, White has said the top contender won’t get another title shot next. Topuria has gone as far as saying he would vacate the belt if the UFC insisted he face Tsarukyan in his first title defense.

Recently, Bisping weighed-in on Topuria’s stance via his YouTube channel. While doing so, Bisping compared the situation to what unfolded over the last year with Jon Jones, who never agreed to fight interim heavyweight champ, Tom Aspinall.

“[Topuria] doesn’t want to fight him,” Bisping said. “He wants nothing to do with Arman Tsarukyan. So now Arman Tsarukyan’s out there. He’s making videos of little ducks. … He’s doing a Tom Aspinall, taking a duck wherever he went with him. Remember that whole saga with Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall? … But now we’ve got a new version. Now it’s Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan. Arman Tsarukyan’s even making a bet, offering him $500,000, half a million bucks if he beats him. Doing whatever he can to get the fight.”

“You could say that Ilia’s only doing this to get under the skin of Arman Tsarukyan, but it’s not a good look. If you’re the champion – just like when Jon Jones was the champion – if you’re the champion, you’ve got to fight the interim champ if there is one. If you’re the champion, you’re supposed to fight the No. 1 guy, simple as that.”

Topuria (17-0) has also made it clear he’s not interested in fighting longtime contender, Justin Gaethje next. The new champ has largely campaigned for a showdown with rival, Paddy Pimblett.