Arman Tsarukyan baffled by Islam Makhachev’s perceived invincibility in MMA world, points to Dagestan native's previous title defense to make case
Arman Tsarukyan was able to establish himself as the lightweight division's No.1 contender with his split decision victory over Charles Oliveira on the main card of UFC 300. 'Ahalkalakets' recently revealed that he does not believe Islam Makhachev, who holds the lightweight title, is as invincible as others are making him out to be.
Speaking to UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier on the DC Check-In, the No.1-ranked lightweight was asked for his thoughts on Makhachev, responding:
"Islam, he's a very good, well-rounded fighter, but I feel like I can beat him. Everybody thinks he's unbeatable or no one can beat him and I don't know why people don't believe someone can beat Islam. I don't know. I don't think so. Yeah, he's good, but in the top level, everybody can beat him."
Tsarukyan continued:
"This is [a] fight. Maybe, you're not ready for that day or you got sick or you don't cut weight very well and that day you feel bad. So, a close fight with Islam versus [Alexander] Volkanovski. Islam looked bad. He didn't look good. My opinion, he looked bad because of jet lag. You see, a lot of details can make sense."
Check out Arman Tsarukyan's comments on Islam Makhachev below:
Tsarukyan's promotional debut came against Makhachev at UFC Fight Night 149, all the way back in April 2019. He took the bout on short notice, and while he lost via unanimous decision, the fight was considered among the toughest tests of the lightweight champion's mixed martial arts career, creating plenty of anticipation for a potential rematch.
Arman Tsarukyan reveals why he turned down Islam Makhachev's fight at UFC 302
Following his victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, Arman Tsarukyan was offered the opportunity to face Islam Makhachev at UFC 302. Speaking to Ariel Helwani of The MMA Hour, the No.1-ranked lightweight revealed why he was not interested in a quick turnaround to compete on June 1, stating:
"Yeah, it's true. When I left the octagon, right away, Hunter [Campbell] came and said, 'June 1st, Islam'. I said, 'I've got to think' and the date was like seven weeks left and I can't jump too fast so I've got to rest a little bit and then have a camp. And if it was like June 20th or in the end of June, I would take that fight because I have at least ten weeks - two weeks rest and eight weeks for preparation."
Tsarukyan added:
"And like, why I gotta take the same risk like I did first fight? It's the same thing, you know, short notice. I want to be ready and I want to have a full training camp. Why if I'm the No.1 contender so why I gotta take the risk? Of course, if I'm in top-ten and someone says before seven weeks, 'can you fight on June 1st?' Of course, I'm going to take the risk, but I just beat a former champion, Hall of Fame fighter and it doesn't make sense."
Check out Arman Tsarukyan's comments on turning down Islam Makhachev fight at UFC 302 below:
While the lightweight title picture seemed crowded entering UFC 300, Tsarukyan's victory over Oliveira, combined with Justin Gaethje's loss, likely allows him to wait for his title shot. Instead, Makhachev will defend his belt against Dustin Poirier.