Arman Tsarukyan skips Conor McGregor and Islam Makhachev, names ex-UFC two-division champ as dream TUF opposition coach
Arman Tsarukyan is coaching Hype Reality 3, the Russian version of the UFC's 'The Ultimate Fighter' (TUF) reality show, opposite Khamzat Chimaev. If given the option to choose his rival coach for a future TUF season, the 27-year-old said he would choose a legendary former champion over high-profile names like Islam Makhachev and Conor McGregor, who can have a bigger commercial impact.
Tsarukyan, who seems to be having a healthy competitive rivalry with Chimaev on the Russian reality show, recently interacted with Submission Radio.
When asked to name his preferred TUF rival coach, the Armenian fighter said:
"Maybe, [Georges St-Pierre]. I like his style. I would like to be in the show with him and [learn from] his experience."
Tsarukyan is the likely next challenger to Makhachev's lightweight title. When asked about the idea of featuring on TUF opposite the Dagestani fighter, Tsarukyan said:
"That's a show as well, yeah. That's a good one."
Check out Arman Tsarukyan's comments below (2:18):
Islam Makhachev favors Conor McGregor over Arman Tsarukyan as the next opponent
Arman Tsarukyan made his UFC debut against Islam Makhachev in April 2019. While the 27-year-old lost by unanimous decision, the pair have been on a collision course ever since. Makhachev went on to capture the UFC lightweight title while Tsarukyan climbed through the rankings.
Tsarukyan defeated former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in a title eliminator bout at UFC 300, setting the stage for the rematch. However, Nevada State Athletic Commission handed him a nine-month suspension for punching a fan during the walkout. The suspension can be reduced to six months if Tsarukyan participates in anti-bullying public service announcement.
At the time, Conor McGregor was scheduled to make a return to competition against Michael Chandler and Makhachev's teammates had shown interest in fighting the Irishman if he emerged victorious.
While speaking to Russian media outlet Ushatayka, Makhachev said:
"To be honest, the Conor McGregor fight looks more interesting [than Arman Tsarukyan] in terms of media attention, and in all respects."
Check out Islam Makhachev's comments below:
McGregor was forced to pull out of the Chandler fight due to a toe injury and the new date of his return is not announced yet. Meanwhile, Makhachev has been dealing with a hand surgery sustained in his UFC 302 fight against Dustin Poirier.