Arman Tsarukyan is training hard in preparation for his upcoming title fight against Islam Makhachev. The Russian fighter is set to face Tsarukyan, the lightweight title challenger, in one of the biggest bouts of his career. Ahead of this crucial fight, Tsarukyan had a sparring session with Khamzat Chimaev, and both fighters showcased their top-notch skills.
Chimaev and Arman Tsarukyan’s appearance on the Russian reality show Hype Reality 3 ended with a grappling contest. Serving as rival coaches, Chimaev’s dominant wrestling and size advantage overwhelmed Tsarukyan. The 30-year-old ‘Borz’ controlled the Armenian fighter on the ground and locked in an anaconda choke. In a recently released full grappling video on YouTube, Tsarukyan praised Chimaev, saying,
“He feels it very well when you try to take him down. His sensitivity, strength makes him a good wrestler.”
👀🤝Arman Tsarukyan called Khamzat Chimaev the best wrestler he has ever faced:
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 5, 2024
“He feels it very well when you try to take him down. His sensitivity, strength makes him a good wrestler.”
🎥 YT Hype Fighting▫️ pic.twitter.com/iN1oG1PHDP
After their friendly competition, Chimaev praised Tsarukyan for stepping up to fight him, despite knowing the likely outcome. Following UFC 311, Tsarukyan plans to call out Charles Oliveira.
Arman Tsarukyan Eyes Charles Oliveira After UFC 311 Title Win Against Islam Makhachev
Tsarukyan is already planning ahead. While he’s set to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title, Tsarukyan is also eyeing a future rematch with Charles Oliveira. In a recent interview with TNT Sports, he named himself, Oliveira, and Makhachev as the top three in the division. The Armenian fighter acknowledged Oliveira’s dominance over the top 15 and expressed his desire for a title defense against him, saying,
“Charles Oliveira is one of the best in our division. And I feel like Islam [Makhachev] Charles Oliveira and me are the top three in the lightweight division right now. Because Charles beat everybody in the top 15. I beat everybody too. Islam like he’s champ Pound for Pound. He also added “When I am a champion, I would like to fight with Charles… I would like to finish him”
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Tsarukyan also praised both Makhachev and Oliveira as top fighters. However, before he can face Oliveira, the lightweight contender must first defeat Makhachev at UFC 311. Whether Tsarukyan can overcome the Russian fighter remains to be seen, but the matchup is sure to be an exciting one.
