Outside Source
While Tsarukyan (23-3) is widely considered the most deserving UFC lightweight title contender, he has been denied a title shot once again. Tsarukyan was originally scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the title earlier this year before withdrawing due to an injury. Unhappy with Tsarukyan’s withdrawal, the UFC sidelined him when Ilia Topuria won the vacant title against Charles Oliveira after Makhachev moved up. Despite coming off a victory over Oliveira, Tsarukyan waited.
Limited Options
Tsarukyan then started rallying for a title shot against Topuria, who wanted to fight Paddy Pimblett instead. Tsarukyan thought a title shot would be undeniable after he beat Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar earlier this month. However, the UFC booked an interim fight between Pimblett and Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 on Jan. 24 in Las Vegas. While he is disappointed, Tsarukyan is already eyeing another matchup. “Ahalkalakets” believes a BMF title fight against Max Holloway is the only matchup that makes sense for him at lightweight.
“I hope they give me the BMF title at least,” Tsarukyan told ESPN. “Who are they going to give me? Who do we have in our division to fight if it’s not Holloway? There is no names.”
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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