Lightweights Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan faced off today (Saturday, April 20, 2019) inside Yubileyny Sports Palace in Saint Petersburg, streaming only on ESPN+. It was a tough debut for young Arman, facing the veteran Makhachev.
Tsarukyan came out kicking, landing off the arms of Makhachev, but slipped and Makhachev used the opportunity to lose the distance. However, Tsarukyan reversed the position and tried to take Makhachev down. He didn’t succeed, and Makhachev reversed him again, then abruptly landed a trip in open space to take down Tsarukyan. Arman managed to stand, got thrown again from the front headlock, scrambled to the top to find a guillotine attempt, couldn’t get it. He chained together some incredibly impressive takedown attempts and Makhachev refused to go all the way down, somehow landing like a cat on his base every time. They stood and traded knees in the clinch. Finally they separated. Tsarukyan landed a nice one-two and attempted a shot, but Islam stayed upright through the end of the round
Arman went back to his kicks early in the second round, then changed levels when Makhachev stepped in. Makhachev got a front headlock, and they broke away. Tsarukyan landed a clipping head kick. He changed levels again when Makhachev stepped in, and they clinched again in open space. The wrestling exchanges have been wonderfully skilled on both sides. Makhavchev landed another sweep, and Tsarukyan stood immediately, but Makhachev had used the opening to find a single-leg. He chained together attempts and got Arman down, who had been holding on to a kimura. Impressively, Tsarukyan managed to stand, grabbing a single-leg. Makhachev held him off and reversed positions, but couldn’t get another takedown before the round ended.
Tsarukyan was putting together his strikes at the beginning of the third, landing kicks and punches. Makhachev countered with a head kick of his own. Tsarukyan shot in, and Makhachev defended, pushing him up against the cage. Tsarukyan landed an elbow as he broke away from the clinch. Makhachev defended another takedown, reversed the position, and this time landed a big double-leg. Makhachev looked to be taking over, using the wrestler’s ride for control, Tsarukyan tried to land a throw from overhook, and used that to get the clinch into open space. Makhachev drove for another takedown, and got it. Tsarukyan dragged himself to the cage and tried to stand, but Makhachev triangled his legs, Khabib-style, and landed a few punches before the bell. Incredibly closely matched fight.
Makhachev said he was expecting a bigger advantage on the ground, but Arman was incredibly strong. He said that as Tsarukyan is a tough dude, he should have a bright future ahead of him. Makhachev wants a top fifteen opponent next.
Results: Islam Makhachev def. Arman Tsarukyan via unanimous decision (30-27×2, 29-28)
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