The UFC lightweight division has consistently been one of the most competitive in the promotion. Over the years, many top fighters have delivered impressive performances within this division. Currently, notable fighters include champion Islam Makhachev and the #1 ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan, who are both preparing to face each other.
Weeks before his fight, Arman Tsarukyan recently appeared in an interview with ESPN MMA. During the interview, the Armenian fighter explored several intriguing topics. Interestingly, Tsarukyan also shared his game plan for battling Islam Makhachev for the title. Notably, the Armenian fighter referenced a similar pre-fight strategy used by boxing legend Mike Tyson.
Game plan? When you got hard punch (get punched hard) you forget about the game plan. If I hurt him (Islam Makhachev) very well, he’s gonna forget about (his) game plan.
Arman Tsarukyan via ESPN MMA (Check from 6:06)
This follows the interview where Brett Okamoto asked Tsarukyan about his preparation for the upcoming fight against Islam Makhachev. The interviewer noted that Makhachev would be fully prepared, especially since he trains under the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Recently, Makhachev’s pre-fight camp included some notable figures from the sport, including former UFC champions Demetrious Johnson and Henry Cejudo, who were seen training with him. When discussing Tsarukyan’s strategic approach to fighting, it’s essential to highlight his commitment to a wrestling-dominant style.
Throughout his UFC career, this approach has enabled the title contender to overpower many elite competitors. As such, it even helped him rise to prominence within the UFC lightweight division. Moreover, Tsarukyan has also celebrated numerous victories but has also faced setbacks, including a loss to his upcoming opponent.
Arman Tsarukyan discusses the importance of necessary adjustments to be made ahead of fights
Interestingly, the upcoming clash between Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev is a rematch between the two elite lightweight fighters. In their previous encounter, the Dagestani fighter defeated the Armenian fighter via unanimous decision. Even after losing, Tsarukyan was quite disappointed with his performance and immediately sought a rematch.
Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan in their previous encounter (Image via MMA Fighting)Tsarukyan’s long-held wish has finally come true as he will fight Makhachev at UFC 311 in January 2025. In the weeks leading up to the fight, the Armenian fighter reflected on what he could have done differently to ensure victory against the Dagestani fighter in their initial encounter. In doing so, Tsarukyan provided a comprehensive assessment of how fighters should make necessary adjustments before their matches.
Just doing more sparring with southpaw, because mostly in our gyms I fight with orthodox fighters. It’s kind of different. You’ve got to find someone, bring someone, who can wrestle and strike. It’s a little bit difficult, so. But the most important thing is sparring with a similar guy to the one you will be fighting.
Arman Tsarukyan via ESPN MMA (Check from 4:15)
Regarding the rematch, while Makhachev trained under Khabib Nurmagomedov, Tsarukyan sought assistance from Khamzat Chimaev. Consequently, several prominent figures in the UFC community believe that the upcoming fight for the lightweight title will be closely contested. Interestingly, Tsarukyan is quite confident in his ability to outsmart Makhachev. Only time will tell who emerges victorious.
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