The debate around the current UFC pound-for-pound number-one fighter has remained controversial in the last few months. While the current lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, holds the top position in the list, many including Dana White, believe Jon Jones should be in the spot. Interestingly, top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan also has a similar view of the situation.
Tsarukyan is eagerly waiting for his much-anticipated title opportunity against Islam Makhachev. Due to Dagestani’s hand injury, the bout has been pushed to 2025, but that hasn’t hindered Tsarukyan’s determination. In a recent interview, the fighter raised doubts regarding Makhachev’s pound-for-pound number-one status.
Number one pound for pound is Jon Jones. Because he is a legend and he is still fighting. Next month he is fighting and if he beats Stipe Miocic, he gotta be number one pound-for-pound. Then when he retires, of course Islam.
Arman Tsarukyan via MMA Junkie
Jones is undoubtedly one of GOATS in MMA with an incredible resume, however, his inactivity has put him behind Makhachev. Apart from these two, light heavyweight Alex Pereira has also made a strong contention of being in the top spot. Due to Pereira’s incredible run, many experts, including Kamaru Usman have put him ahead of Makhachev in the pound-for-pound list.
Arman Tsarukyan sides with Dana White on UFC’s pound-for-pound debate.
“(Islam Makhachev) doesn’t deserve it. I agree the No. 1 pound-for-pound is Jon Jones.”
(via @MikeBohn) pic.twitter.com/7Is5wZAiVt
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) October 22, 2024
Despite Makhachev’s unwavering dominance, Arman Tsarukyan is confident enough to outclass the Dagestani. According to the Armenian, unlike the lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev can be outsmarted in a fight. Tsarukyan believes he is among the new generation that will dominate the UFC going forward.
Arman Tsarukyan supports fellow new generation fighter at UFC 308
The year 2024 saw various new champions. From Ilia Topuria to Merab Dvalishvili, all these fighters dominated their predecessors to capture the belt. While former champions like Kamaru Usman and Alexander Volkanovski are eager to get their title back, it won’t be that easy.
Arman Tsarukyan wanted to be one of the new champions this year; however, his plans shifted to early 2025. One of the newly crowned champions, Topuria, will defend his featherweight title for the first time this Saturday against veteran Max Holloway. Going into UFC 308, Tsarukyan has chosen to support the Georgian-Spaniard.
I’m gonna support Ilia because he’s from Georgia, I was born in Georgia—that’s why. I like his style, he’s young, and I want him to win because he’s the new generation, and all those guys [old generation] gotta change.
Arman Tsarukyan via MMA Junkie
Arman Tsarukyan will support Ilia Topuria because Ilia is Georgian and Arman was born in Georgia.🇬🇪
“I’m gonna support Ilia because he’s from Georgia, I was born in Georgia—that’s why. I like his style, he’s young, and I want him to win because he’s the new generation, and all… pic.twitter.com/65xS2P6fIO
— MMA.PROS.PICK (@MMAPROSPICK) October 22, 2024
Topuria vs. Holloway is undoubtedly one of the biggest fights of 2024. The hype around it is unreal, and fans are equally divided over the result. ‘El Matador’ has promised a knockout finish while Holloway is ready to get back his lost glory.
