SUMMARY
- Islam Makhachev has established himself as one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC.
- However, one UFC lightweight believes that he can be the one to dethrone Makhachev and take the title for himself.
Islam Makhachev has established himself as one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC. Reigning over the lightweight division since 2022, there is little belief that he will be defeated anytime soon. However, one UFC lightweight believes that he can be the one to dethrone Islam and take the title for himself.
Since his title win against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280, there has been a lot of talk regarding Islam’s credentials. Whilst some have hailed him as possibly the best lightweight champion since Khabib Nurmagomedov, others believe that he has much to prove. After all, Islam still has a title defense against a natural lightweight.
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As such, surging contender Arman Tsarukyan believes that he can be the one to dispose of Makhachev. In a recently surfaced interview, the #4-ranked lightweight claimed that he has better wrestling than the champ. “If we just take freestyle wrestling, mine is better. But if we add on different trips and MMA grappling techniques, his is more interesting.” Although he gives Islam his flowers, Arman believes that he is better at some aspects.
Further, ‘Ahalkalakets‘ added, “Yes, he has very good Judo and Sambo, which I can’t do.” However, despite this, Arman believes that he has learned a lot in recent years and is in a place where he can go on to challenge for the title. At the same time, Tsarukyan also backs himself, believing that he is better than Makhachev overall and intending to show that when the opportunity arises again.
Arman Tsarukyan’s first fight against Islam Makhachev
For the most part, many may not remember the fact that Arman Tsarukyan made his UFC debut against Islam Makhachev. In 2019, Arman made his way into the UFC, only to be met with Khabib’s young and hungry protege. Here, it must be noted that the two had a very competitive and interesting matchup.
Whilst the Russian-Armenian fighter landed more shots, Islam was much more accurate with his strikes. However, the difference was that Makhachev managed four takedowns as opposed to one from Tsarukyan. Additionally, the champ, who at the time was fighting his 7th UFC fight, had nearly six minutes of control time, while his opponent had control for a little over a minute.
In the end, Islam was declared the winner by way of a unanimous decision, but had clearly been tested. Owing to Arman’s promising performance, many believed him to have been Islam’s toughest fight for a long time. Aside from Alexander Volkanovski (UFC 284), Tsarukyan is seen as the only man to give the champ any problems.
Arman Tsarukyan takes on Charles Oliveira at UFC 300
Notably, there has been a lot of talk about Arman following his superb win over Beneil Dariush. In what was a beautiful sequence, Tsarukyan faked a high knee before landing a flush heavy hand on his opponent. All things considered, his performance at UFC Austin was likely what catapulted him into title conversations as well.
Following his emphatic victory over Dariush, the 27-year-old is set to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. Fighting on the same night as Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, and Oliveira, there is a big chance for Arman to make a case for himself as the next for the title. Although many favor the former champ, Oliveira, in the matchup, Tsarukyan will once again look to shock the fans.
Dana White revealed that Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan are set for a No. 1 contender lightweight match at #UFC300 in Las Vegas on April 13th.
The victor will challenge Islam Makhachev upon his return from injury. pic.twitter.com/03s9KQZEOf
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) January 8, 2024
Whilst Islam Makhachev has declared his intentions to fight Justin Gaethje next, it seems that the UFC has different ideas in mind. Thus, it is expected that the winner of Gaethje-Holloway and Oliveira-Tsarukyan will be the next in line. With that said, the more impressively Arman represents himself on the night, the better his chances will be of getting the opportunity for his rematch.