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Islam Makhachev believes Arman Tsarukyan is the most deserving lightweight contender. | Getty/UFC
Islam Makhachev considers former foe Arman Tsarukyan the most deserving lightweight title contender.
Tsarukyan should have ideally fought for the lightweight title long ago. Tsarukyan suffered a loss in his short-notice UFC debut against Makhachev in 2019. “Ahalkalakets” has since lost only once more in 10 UFC fights. While he has long been the top contender, Tsarukyan didn’t want to fight Makhachev for the title without a full camp. The matchup was finally scheduled for UFC 311 this past January. However, Tsarukyan pulled out a day before the fight due to an injury, much to the chagrin of Dana White. White made sure Tsarukyan wouldn’t get another chance immediately, reserving him for backup duties when Ilia Topuria won the vacant title against Charles Oliveira after Makhachev moved up to welterweight.
While a title shot seemed inevitable for Tsarukyan next, Topuria called out Paddy Pimblett instead. However, Makhachev believes Tsarukyan has warranted himself a title shot by making weight for his backup duties at UFC 317 this past June. The former lightweight champ also believes Tsarukyan can dethrone “El Matador.”
Makhachev: Tsarukyan Capable of Defeating Topuria
“When someone is the backup for a fight, makes weight, he almost always fights [for the title]. I don’t remember a time that they didn’t give them the fight,” Makhachev said at an Eagle FC press conference. “Arman was the backup and made weight. I think he should be next. He proved himself. He had a problem with cutting weight, but he proved that he can go down and cut weight. And I think this the fight that makes the most sense right now. To be honest, I think if Arman goes out with the right attitude, he can get it done.”
Tsarukyan has repeatedly tried to coax Topuria to fight him, but the champ has even threatened to vacate the belt if he has to fight the Russian next. However, Tsarukyan recently changed tune, seemingly accepting that he might have to pass another test to get a title shot. Meanwhile, Makhachev is awaiting a title shot against welterweight champ Jack Della Maddalena soon.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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