UFC Lightweight Title Picture: Arman Tsarukyan Weighs in on Islam Makhachev’s Hesitancy to Face Ilia Topuria
In a recent interview with the MMAJunkie, UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan shared his thoughts on the potential matchup between champion Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. According to Tsarukyan, Makhachev’s hesitancy to face Topuria stems from concerns over the Georgian fighter’s credentials at lightweight.
Makhachev, who holds a record of 27-1 in MMA and 16-1 in the UFC, has expressed a desire to see Topuria prove himself against a top lightweight contender before granting him a title shot. Topuria, the former UFC featherweight champion, has claimed that he was promised a title shot after vacating his 145-pound title. However, Tsarukyan understands Makhachev’s reservations, stating, "I think he (Topuria) left 145 because they said, ‘OK, we’re going to give you title fight,’" as reported by the MMAJunkie. "Islam doesn’t want to fight him because if he wins, people are going to say, ‘OK, you again beat a 145 fighter and he’s not No. 1 contender.’"
Tsarukyan, who was scheduled to challenge Makhachev in the UFC 311 main event in January before pulling out due to a back injury, believes that Makhachev’s concerns are valid. "If Islam beats me, then I think he’s done with this division," Tsarukyan said on the "JAXXON PODCAST," according to the MMAJunkie. "He beat everybody. Just he got to beat me, and then people can say that."
The issue for Tsarukyan now is finding an opponent for his next fight. The 28-year-old revealed that he is struggling to secure a bout due to his current ranking and the fact that many fighters are hesitant to face him. "Right now because it’s a dangerous fight, and I don’t have a title," Tsarukyan explained, as per the MMAJunkie. "(Charles) Oliveira wants to fight for the title, Topuria wants to fight, everybody wants to fight for the title, and when the title fight is going (to get) booked, and then I’m going to get the fight."
Tsarukyan’s situation is further complicated by the fact that UFC CEO Dana White had no intention of immediately rebooking his fight against Makhachev. As a result, Tsarukyan will have to notch one more win before potentially facing the champion again.
While Tsarukyan believes that the fight between Makhachev and Topuria will ultimately happen, he understands Makhachev’s hesitancy to face the Georgian fighter. As reported by the MMAJunkie, Tsarukyan thinks that Makhachev will likely face him next, stating, "Just he got to beat me, and then people can say that." The lightweight contender’s comments provide valuable insight into the current state of the UFC lightweight division and the challenges faced by fighters looking to secure a title shot.
In conclusion, the UFC lightweight title picture continues to take shape, with Arman Tsarukyan offering a nuanced perspective on the potential matchup between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. As reported by the MMAJunkie, Tsarukyan’s comments highlight the complexities of the division and the difficulties faced by fighters looking to secure a title shot. With the title fight between Makhachev and Topuria potentially on the horizon, fans will be eagerly anticipating the outcome and its implications for the lightweight division.
