Arman Tsarukyan shares his thoughts on Islam Makhachev and the lightweight division. Find out why Tsarukyan believes he can defeat Makhachev and his plans for the future.
| Arman Tsarukyan believes he can beat Islam Makhachev
| Tsarukyan highlights factors that can affect fight outcomes
| Their first fight generated anticipation for a potential rematch
| Tsarukyan declines a quick rematch and prioritizes a full training camp
| Tsarukyan likely to wait for his title shot in the lightweight division
| Makhachev set to defend his belt against Dustin Poirier
Arman Tsarukyan’s Take on Islam Makhachev
Arman Tsarukyan solidified his position as the No.1 contender in the lightweight division with a split decision win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. In a recent interview with UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, Tsarukyan expressed his belief that Makhachev, the current lightweight champion, is not as unbeatable as people think.
Tsarukyan acknowledged Makhachev’s skills as a well-rounded fighter but stated his confidence in being able to defeat him. He questioned why people consider Makhachev invincible and emphasized that anyone at the top level can beat him.
The Armenian fighter also pointed out that factors like being unprepared on a particular day, illness, or jet lag can significantly impact a fight’s outcome. Tsarukyan referenced Makhachev’s recent fight against Alexander Volkanovski, where he appeared off his game, attributing it to jet lag.
Tsarukyan’s History with Makhachev
Tsarukyan’s first encounter with Makhachev took place at UFC Fight Night 149 in April 2019. Despite taking the fight on short notice, Tsarukyan gave Makhachev a tough challenge, although he ultimately lost via unanimous decision. The matchup generated considerable anticipation for a potential rematch.
Declining a Quick Rematch
Following his victory over Oliveira, Tsarukyan was offered a quick turnaround to face Makhachev at UFC 302 on June 1. However, Tsarukyan declined the opportunity, citing the need for rest and a full training camp. He expressed his reluctance to take the same risks as he did in their first fight, emphasizing that as the No.1 contender, he wants to be fully prepared for a title shot.
Title Picture and Future Plans
With Tsarukyan’s win over Oliveira and Justin Gaethje’s loss, it is likely that Tsarukyan will wait for his title shot in the lightweight division . Meanwhile, Makhachev is set to defend his belt against Dustin Poirier.
Stay tuned for more updates on the lightweight division and the highly anticipated matchup between Tsarukyan and Makhachev.
