Islam Makhachev showed yet again why he’s the lightweight king by defeating Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. However, the champ doesn’t have the time to relax as the next challenger is right around the corner. Top lightweight, Arman Tsarukyan could be next in line, and Eddie Alvarez believes it will be a scary match for the champion.
Former lightweight, Eddie Alvarez recently on The MMA Hour show with Ariel Helwani where he discussed the main event of UFC 302. Alvarez credited Islam Makhachev for being a more entertaining fighter than his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. After that, Alvarez revealed that Arman Tsarukyan might be the best contender to dethrone Makhachev from his position.
Arman because of his wrestling background, he’s gonna be able to stop the shot. He may even take Islam down. Islam won’t be the hammer….When you get a guy like Arman who can match your wrestling ability, make you work and breathe heavily. Now that’s a fight…and I don’t know if they want that fight.Â
Eddie Alvarez via The MMA Hour showÂ
Makhachev’s title defense against Dustin Poirier was much tougher than the Dagestani had expected. The ’Diamond’ showed incredible takedown defense and Makhachev had to dig deep in order to get a finish in the last round. This started the narrative about what Makhachev would do against a wrestling-heavy fighter like Arman Tsarukyan.Â
Congrats to Islam! But don’t try to run away to another division. You’ve only defended your title once against a real lightweight, and I’m next in line
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) June 2, 2024
While many including Charles Oliveira don’t think Tsarukyan has a chance, the Armenian believes he will beat Makhachev with ease. After UFC 302, Arman Tsarukyan also congratulated Makhachev and warned him for the next title fight in a tweet. On the other hand, Islam Makhachev has some other views regarding the top lightweight contender.Â
 Islam Makhachev thinks Arman Tsarukyan should thank him for his UFC careerÂ
Islam Makhachev fought Arman Tsarukyan as a debutant in 2019, and despite his defeat, Tsarukyan provided a challenge to the Dagestani. Since that loss, ‘Akhalkalakets’ has grown significantly, and many believe the rematch will be quite fascinating.
While talking about the potential title challenger, Islam Makhachev revealed that Tsarukyan should thank him for putting him on the map.
I think Arman should thank me. I signed Arman for a fight against me. He got signed to the UFC. I didn’t know anything about Arman then. I haven’t seen him fight. I just thought of him as a debutant. I wouldn’t call it a close fight even though many people say it was. I won every round, but Arman still calls for a rematch
Arman Tsarukyan via UFC Eurasia YouTube
After his last victory against Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, Arman Tsarukyan made it clear that he wants the title shot. The fighter also mentioned that during his first fight with Makhachev, he was new and things have changed a lot since then. While Makhachev is eager to get the double champion status, he will most probably have to deal with Tsarukyan next.Â
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