Arman Tsarukyan is the next contender for the UFC’s lightweight title and he will not let anybody take his spot. Amid his suspension post UFC 300 and Charles Oliveira suggesting a rematch with Islam Makhachev, there was a lot of confusion as to who would fight the Dagestani champion for the title next. Tsarukyan recently came out with a tweet to clear the air.
Arman Tsraukyan recently sent out a tweet on X. In that tweet, he wrote that regardless of the circumstances, he is the contender for the title next. Tsarukyan previously turned down fighting for the title at UFC 302 to properly prepare for the fight and he is determined to win.
I’m the one fighting for the title next. The rest of you can take a seat #AndNew
Arman Tsarukyan on X
Earlier it was clear that the Armenian would fight Islam Makhachev next. However, after the NYSAC recently handed him a nine-month suspension, fellow lightweight contenders like Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler began teasing potential title shots.
I’m the one fighting for the title next. The rest of you can take a seat #AndNew
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) July 8, 2024
However, there was a clause on Tsarukyan’s suspension which would allow him to reduce the ban to six months. Makhachev wants to defend his title in Abu Dhabi this October at UFC 308. If the Armenian participates in an anti-bullying public service announcement, he could make it to the next lightweight title fight.
Alexander Volkanovski’s prediction for Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan
Alexander Volkanovski recently sat down for a conversation with Israel Adesanya‘s brother, David Adesanya. During their discussion on the Freestylebender YouTube channel, Volkanovski talked about Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev clashing for the UFC lightweight title.
Alexander Volkanovski on Arman Tsarukyan Vs Islam Makhachev (Image via Imago)Although the Dagestani champion is skilled in takedowns, Volkanovski believes the two fighters would likely exchange strikes instead of taking the fight to the ground. The former featherweight champion who fought Makhachev twice, believes it is going to be a dog fight with strikes, scrambles, and a bit of everything.
So I’m expecting it to be another close, tough fight. I think it’ll be standing more. I think Arman’s shown that he can knock people out – same as Islam I guess as well. But Islam I think might be a little bit more calculated on the feet.
Alexander Volkanovski on FREESTYLEBENDER
Interestingly, Volkanovski also revealed the possibility of him making a comeback to the lightweight division. The former featherweight champion expressed his desire to fight Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira, while Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway settled their fight in the octagon. This might be his bid to stay active so that he’s ready for the title shot when it comes.
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