Arman Tsarukyan is eagerly awaiting his opportunity to fight for the lightweight title against Islam Makhachev. Following his most recent decision victory at UFC 300, Tsarukyan is the top contender for the title shot. Despite some backlash for hitting a fan, things have worked out exactly as the Armenian fighter had hoped.
During his walkout at UFC 300, Arman Tsarukyan hit a fan who gave him the finger. While most fighters would ignore it, Arman Tsarukyan didn’t let that slide. As a result, the fighter was suspended for 9 months. Tsarukyan had an opportunity to reduce the suspension by producing an ‘anti-bullying’ PSA video. However, with his fight potentially taking place in December, the lightweight doesn’t think it’s necessary to make a video.
If my fight is scheduled for December, there’s no point.
Arman Tsarukyan via Ushatayka YouTube channel
Tsarukyan mentioned that he was previously required to fight in October but with Makhachev’s injury, the date has been shifted. On the other hand, he is eyeing other top lightweights for an interim championship bout in case title fight scraps. Funny enough, fans are a little disappointed with Tsarukyan not doing the video, as it would have been hilarious.
🚨 Arman Tsarukyan says he will no longer be releasing an anti-bullying PSA video:
“If my fight is scheduled for December, there’s no point.”
(via. Ushatayka) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/3S2UPCb91n
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 26, 2024
Arman Tsarukyan is currently on a four-fight winning streak and has the experience of fighting Islam Makhachev in the past. Many fans and experts believe that ‘Ahalkalakets’ can dethrone the Dagestani. However, when he got the opportunity to do it earlier this year, Tsarukyan refused.
Islam Makhachev’s coach supports Arman Tsarukyan for refusing to fight Islam Makhachev on short notice
After Arman Tsarukyan defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, he did, in fact, decline to face Islam Makhachev. Tsarukyan declined a short-notice title match against Makhachev at UFC 302, citing insufficient time for preparation. Makhachev, according to Tsarukyan, just intended to have an advantage by calling the fight at the last minute.
Tension arose as a result of Tsarukyan’s rejection, with Makhachev accusing the latter of dodging him. However, Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez understood Tsarukyan’s situation. According to Mendez, the Armenian made the right decision against Makhachev.
That’s the right call from him. It’s like, he’s in the driver’s seat, also, so why would he risk his chance? Why not go properly prepared for the opportunity that he presented himself by having a victory over Oliveira?
Javier Mendez via Submission Radio
The last time the pair fought, was back in 2019 when an inexperienced Tsarukyan gave the Dagestani a tough challenge. Since then, Makhachev has evolved a lot and is the current pound-for-pound ace. However, Tsarukyan was confident about his ability to defeat Makhachev and take home the belt.
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