Arman Tsarukyan adamant on fighting for UFC lightweight title next: "My next fight will be only for the belt"
Arman Tsarukyan recently opened up about the UFC lightweight title picture and was adamant that he is the next contender in line for a title shot. The No.1 ranked lightweight is believed to be the next title challenger, however, he may possibly have to wait as Islam Makhachev recovers from his hand injury.
The 27-year-old has been on an impressive run in a talented 155-pound division as he has surged up the rankings to the No.1 spot. He is currently riding a 4-fight winning streak that includes a knockout win over Beneil Dariush and a split decision win over former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.
Championship Rounds tweeted a video from the Armenian's conversation with Artem Tarasov's YouTube channel, where weighed in on his place in the title picture. Tsarukyan mentioned that he deserves the next title shot and even expressed interest in an interim title fight should Makhachev remain out of action longer than expected. He said:
"I am the Number one contender. [Makhachev] says that I only talk, how can a person talk and be in the top one?... I became number one and proved to the whole world that I am a contender for the title. And my next fight will be only for the belt. So it could be an interim title if [Makhachev] doesn't have time to recover his hand. If he recovers his hand, it will be even better for me."
Check out Arman Tsarukyan's comments below:
Have Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev fought before?
Armam Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev have fought once before, however, it's important to note that the Armenian accepted the bout on short notice.
Their bout took place in 2019 and saw Makhachev earn a unanimous decision win over the Tsarukyan, who was making his promotional debut. It was an entertaining bout and both fighters earned a post-fight bonus for Fight of the Night.
The loss was a small setback for Tsarukyan as he bounced back and went on to win his next five bouts inside the octagon and entered the UFC lightweight rankings.
Check out the UFC's tweet regarding Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan below: