As a dedicated UFC fan, I'm deeply concerned about the current state of the UFC Lightweight Division. Ilia Topuria, who is the reigning champion of the division, is neglecting to face the rightful No. 1 contender, Arman Tsarukyan. Arman possesses the best wrestling skills and top pressure in the lightweight division today, and his excellence in the octagon has earned him the position of the top contender.

Currently, Ilia is choosing to call out a lower-ranked opponent, who is No. 8 in the division. This tactic seemingly delays a face-off with Arman, potentially for an entire year. Consequently, Arman is left waiting for a well-deserved title shot, and by postponing this fight, the authenticity of the championship is put into question.

The foundation of the UFC was built on the principle of "best vs. best," where the highest-ranked contenders fought the champions. However, the sport is at risk of transforming into a popularity contest—much like a monopoly—instead of maintaining its competitive integrity. We certainly do not want a repeat scenario reminiscent of Jon Jones' vs Tom Aspinall.

This isn't about just one fighter; it's about preserving the spirit and legitimacy of the sport we all love. To keep UFC an arena where genuine talent, hard work, and sportsmanship are rewarded with fair opportunities, we must support fair matchups between true titleholders and the most deserving contenders.

Stand with us to urge the UFC authorities to sanction the real championship battle between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan. Let's ensure every UFC fan gets to witness authentic, top-tier matchups that honor the sport's true essence.

Please sign this petition to advocate for fair fights and uphold the cherished values of the UFC.