Armenian Arman Tsarukyan became the number-one contender in lightweight after his victory over ex-champion Charles Oliveira. Tsarukyan’s toughness and skill were on display against Oliveira at UFC 300. Recently, his training video has gone viral on social media, garnering comparison with a DC superhero
Against Oliveira, Tsarukyan successfully defended two choke attempts, the first through sheer grit and the second through skill. Moreover, he also landed an ins*ne axe kick on the Brazilian. Unlike typical axe kicks, Tsarukyan created an almost 180-degree angle between his legs. Now, a video of Tsarukyan’s flexibility exercises has gone viral.
In the video, Tsarukyan did different flexibility exercises for his torso, wings, legs, and other parts. The level of flexibility even drew comparison to Plastic Man, the popular DC superhero. Plastic Man is one of the strongest characters in DC comics, sometimes on par with Superman.
Bro is real life plastic man
— reeras 🦥 (@reerasmma) May 13, 2024
Tsarukyan’s fight with Oliveira was for the number one contender spot. The UFC had offered him a title fight against Islam Makhachev on June 2. However, he refused as it was too soon. Due to his refusal, his teammate Dustin Poirier will fight Makhachev, with the victor potentially next for Tsarukyan.
Fight fans react to Arman Tsarukyan’s viral flexibility training
Arman Tsarukyan debuted in the UFC against Islam Makhachev. Barring the knockout loss to Adriano Martins, Tsarukyan was Makhachev’s toughest fight before he became the lightweight champion. After his loss, Tsarukyan reeled off victories and should’ve fought for the title earlier if not for the controversial loss to Mateusz Gamrot.
Arman Tsarukyan (Image via: IMAGO)In the UFC’s lightweight division, fight fans see Tsarukyan as the best chance of dethroning Makahchev. Tsarukyan has the wrestling to match up with the champion. Moreover, he is the youngest and one of two fighters in the lightweight rankings in their 20s.
Yeah he the real deal
— Eric Jr. (Eric Wall’s burner)☣️⛓️ (@ericwallmaxi) May 13, 2024
Only person I believe that can counter Islam’s sambo
— Saurabh (@saurab_N) May 13, 2024
When people google “thoracic mobility,” this video should pop up in the search results.
— Kristopher Kyree León (@KrisKLeon) May 13, 2024
No wonder that axe kick was effortless
— kealeboga pelotshweu (@KPelotshwe90061) May 13, 2024
Not going to lie the first machine is pretty cool
— joeeph (@artistunkown92) May 13, 2024
So he’s not playing touch butt in the park with some long haired dork ?
— Aldin (@justanmmacasual) May 13, 2024
What in the hell is that torso rotating machine?!?! That’s freaking wild.
— Luke (@redacted_mma) May 13, 2024
There’s no way he isn’t gonna be the champion in the near future.
— Zechariah XV (@ZechariahXV) May 13, 2024
I want that machine to pop my back
— Enaz Spillers (@Goddamnzane) May 13, 2024
Arman a freak freak
— WARier ⚜️ (@RationalMMAFan) May 13, 2024
Even though the Tsarukyan is the number one contender, a victory for Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 would open other fights, particularly if Conor McGregor wins at UFC 303. Nevertheless, Islam Makhachev is a huge betting favorite for the fight against Poirier. However, like any MMA fighter, Poirier has the puncher’s chance against the pound-for-pound king.
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