Arman Tsarukyan‘s dream to fight for the UFC lightweight championship against Islam Makhachev has been delayed. However, the number one title contender doesn’t want to sit around and is willing to fight later this year. With the lightweight interim championship being the viable option, Tsarukyan has eyes on all the top lightweights in the division.
Islam Makhachev’s hand injury is the reason why the Dagestani cannot defend his lightweight title. The fight between him and Tsarukyan has now been moved to early 2025. Tsarukyan talked about the situation and mentioned Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, Dan Hooker etc as his preferred opponent.
I got informed that this fight would not happen this year…It’s not about fighting Islam for me. It’s about becoming a champion. Any of the top 5 can fight for the interim title. Hooker, Chandler, Oliveira, Gaethje or Poirier. All of them can fight for the interim title.
Arman Tsarukyan via Red Corner MMA
The fighter also took a sly jibe at others calling them undeserving of the opportunity. Tsarukyan pointed out that most of those names are coming off from losses. Tsarukyan is currently on a four-fight win streak and is extremely confident. His last fight at UFC 300, resulted in him winning a decision fight against Charles Oliveira.
⚡️👀Arman Tsarukyan reacts on Islam Makhachev not ready to fight this year. He also open to have a fight for the interim title
“I got informed that this fight would not happen this year…
It’s not about fighting Islam [Makhachev] for me. It’s about becoming a champion. Any of… pic.twitter.com/H8pVCCZAs4
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 7, 2024
Tsarukyan was offered the Makhachev fight right after his win at UFC 300. However, the fight was scheduled for June which wouldn’t have given him enough time to recover and prepare thoroughly. As such, he decided to decline that particular offer.
While the undisputed championship was Tsarukyan’s main objective, getting a hold of the interim title isn’t a bad idea. Fight fans are also in favor of this recent development in the most competitive division in the UFC. The lightweight division has turned out to be one of the most unpredictable weight classes in recent times.
The current state of the UFC lightweight division
Since the beginning of 2024, the lightweight division has gone through some massive changes. Top contender, Justin Gaethje lost his opportunity after his devastating defeat to Max Holloway at UFC 300. In the same card, Charles Oliveira lost the momentum of his title run with his loss to Arman Tsarukyan.
Dustin Poirier lost his third UFC lightweight title opportunity after losing to Islam Makhachev via submission at UFC 302. The fighter announced his retirement but has recently teased fans about his comeback. Michael Chandler got rejected by Makhachev for a title shot and is still waiting for the Conor McGregor fight.
McGregor was also connected to Oliveira with even Dan Hooker calling out the ‘Notorious’ recently. Hooker is also one of the leading candidates for the interim title shot against Tsarukyan. The lightweight division has always kept the fight fans on their toes and it will be interesting to see what transpires next.
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