Arman Tsarukyan burst onto the UFC scene in 2019. His first opponent was none other than the current champion, Islam Makhachev. The fight was competitive, and he gave Makhachev a run for his money in his debut. That fight had fans buzzing about a potential rematch.
Tsarukyan recently dropped a bombshell that’s shaking up the lightweight division. He claimed a showdown with Makhachev wasn’t happening this year. This comes after the lightweight champion had injured his hand at UFC 302.
“I knew that, I was informed that this fight would not happen this year; it will take place early next year. I don’t care when this fight happens; even if it’s in a year, I’ll keep working,” said Tsarukyan via Red Corner MMA.
But Tsarukyan is not just sitting around twiddling his thumbs. He’s eyeing an interim title shot. And he has an extensive list. Dan Hooker, Michael Chandler, Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier are all in his sights. Tsarukyan thinks any of these top-five contenders deserve a crack at interim gold.
Arman Tsarukyan’s attitude is refreshing, though. He’s not obsessed with fighting Makhachev. But that does not mean he isn’t interested in the title. He just does not want to wait around wasting his prime years in MMA.
Arman Tsarukyan Won’t Fight Islam Makhachev On Six Weeks’ Notice
Tsarukyan recently dropped a truth bomb, and he is calling out Islam Makhachev, the reigning champ, for what he sees as a sneaky move. Apparently, Makhachev wanted to fight Tsarukyan on short notice. Six weeks after UFC 300, to be exact. Talk about a quick turnaround!
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Arman Tsarukyan however, was not having it, though. He believed Makhachev was trying to gain an unfair advantage. The Armenian had just fought against Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, and UFC 302 offer was on the table. But he turned it down.
“That’s just not truth. The truth is that you want to fight me on short notice to have an extra advantage. It won’t happen again though. When was the last time you fought 2 times in 6 weeks? @MAKHACHEVMMA,” wrote Tsarukyan.
Makhachev eventually went on to fight Dustin Poirier and won the fight via a D’Arce choke. Tsarukyan has been on the sidelines since due to suspension. Now, it is just a waiting game of whether the champ returns first or the interim title fight is held first. Either way, fight fans will be looking forward to the clash in the high levels of the lightweight division.
Also Read: UFC 308: Arman Tsarukyan Seeks Khamzat Chimaev’s Help to Prepare for Islam Makhachev
