UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan holds the belief that Islam Makhachev is deliberately avoiding a rematch with him. Their paths first crossed in April 2019 when Tsarukyan, stepping in on short notice, faced the emerging Makhachev.
Despite being relatively inexperienced, Tsarukyan showcased his skills admirably against the future champion. However, it was Makhachev who ultimately secured a unanimous decision victory after three rounds of intense competition.
Fast forward nearly five years, both fighters find themselves hovering near the top of the talent-rich lightweight division. While Makhachev currently reigns as the division’s champion, Tsarukyan has seen significant growth since their initial encounter.
With a current three-fight winning streak, including a notable knockout victory over Beneil Dariush at UFC Austin in December, Tsarukyan is proving himself as a formidable force in the division.
Yet, Tsarukyan’s upcoming challenge looms large as he prepares to face former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 next month. Oliveira, also coming off a knockout victory over Dariush, presents a formidable obstacle for Tsarukyan. However, the stakes are high for this bout as the winner could potentially earn a shot at Makhachev’s lightweight title.
In a recent interview with Morning Kombat’s Brian Campbell, Tsarukyan didn’t shy away from discussing his aspirations for a rematch with Makhachev. Expressing his belief that Makhachev is actively avoiding a second encounter, Tsarukyan speculated that Makhachev views him as a more dangerous opponent compared to others in the division.
He suggested that Makhachev’s interest in fighting Dustin Poirier instead could be motivated by financial considerations.
Nevertheless, Tsarukyan remains focused on his upcoming bout with Oliveira, emphasizing that his primary concern is the immediate challenge at hand. He hinted that discussions regarding a rematch with Makhachev would follow once he’s dealt with Oliveira in the octagon.
Meanwhile, talk of a potential showdown between Makhachev and Poirier emerged recently, following Poirier’s impressive knockout victory over Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299. Poirier’s post-fight callout of Makhachev was met with approval from the Russian, setting the stage for a potential clash in June.
However, the lightweight division boasts a plethora of contenders vying for their shot at the title. UFC 300 not only features Tsarukyan vs. Oliveira but also includes another compelling lightweight matchup between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway. Gaethje’s expressed desire to face Makhachev underscores the depth of talent within the division, promising exciting developments in the coming months.
