Arman Tsarukyan turns to Khamzat Chimaev to help prepare for Islam Makhachev fight: "His build is similar"
Arman Tsarukyan has turned his attention to Khamzat Chimaev in an attempt to get assistance in getting ready for a fight with Islam Makhachev. Tsarukyan claimed that Chimaev's physique was similar to Makhachev's, which would benefit him in terms of preparation.
Hype Reality, a popular MMA show, has Tsarukyan and Chimaev serving as captains for its third season. The project's concept is similar to that of UFC's 'The Ultimate Fighter' (TUF). The competitors are split into two teams, share a home, and practice in a gym.
Tsarukyan revealed in a recent interview with Sport24 that he will be seeing Chimaev on the set of Hype Reality 3 and asking for his assistance in getting ready for the Makhachev fight.
''To be honest, [Khamzat] is there [on the set] and if there is an opportunity to train with him, it would be good. Since he is tall and can work in a left-handed stance. I will ask him to help work with me. Yes, if he doesn't refuse. It would be good to train, as sparring partners. But in general, his build is similar to Islam's.''
Check out Arman Tsarukyan's comments below:
Tsarukyan cemented his position as the leading contender in the lightweight division after defeating Charles Oliveira via split decision on the main card of UFC 300. 'Ahalkalakets' turned down the chance to make a fast turnaround and challenge Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 302, preferring a full camp.
However, that does not appear to be an option anymore, since Tsarukyan was given a nine-month suspension and a $25,000 fine for getting into a physical altercation with an audience member during his UFC 300 walkout.
According to reports, if the No. 1 ranked lightweight creates a PSA against bullying, he may be able to get his suspension shortened and return to competition this year, which he agreed to do.
Arman Tsarukyan predicts his potential fight against Islam Makhachev
Arman Tsarukyan is certain he can end Islam Makhachev's 14-bout winning streak if the two fight again.
The previous encounter between Makhachev and Tsarukyan is thought to have been one of the Dagestani's hardest fights to date. The top-ranked lightweight contender spoke to Ariel Helwani ahead of their possible rematch, in which he made the following prediction about the fight:
''Yeah, [Makhachev is] definitely overhyped. They think they're unbeatable.I don't know why, they're the same as us. Not the whole team, Islam thinks no one can beat him. But I can definitely do that. When Islam came to the weigh-ins [for UFC 302] everyone started booing. He wanted to fight in New York, but after this fight I think he wants to go to Abu Dhabi because New York doesn't like him... I'm going to beat him by KO, no doubt."
Check out Arman Tsarukyan's comments below: