Islam Makhachev doesn’t have to worry about any other titles popping up in Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) Lightweight contender scene. If Tom Aspinall’s story at Heavyweight is anything to go by, Arman Tsarukyan should be counting his lucky stars.
Tsarukyan, 27, is next in line for the 155-pound strap and a rematch with the champion, Makhachev. However, it isn’t expected by the challenger or the company that Makhachev will fully recover in 2024 after he sustained a ligament injury in his hand. Therefore, Tsarukyan has proposed the idea of an interim title, or at least been open to it.
UFC CEO, Dana White, isn’t keen on the idea and will keep each sidelined until the timing aligns for a proper return.
“No,” White told Manouk Akopyan (h/t MMA Junkie). “Islam’s fought so many times and is always willing to jump up and take a fight. So, no, there won’t be an interim title. When he’s ready to go, we’ll go. We have plans. We’re looking at it right now on when he would fight.
“I don’t know [if UFC 310 on Dec. 7, 2024 is likely],” he concluded. “We’re working on it.”
UFC’s Lightweight division is no stranger to interim titles, having had one passed around amid Conor McGregor’s brief reign after he defeated Eddie Alvarez in November 2016. Makhachev’s former teammate turned mentor and coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, eventually righted the ship when McGregor was stripped, leading to “The Eagle’s” coronation.
When Makhachev is ready to return for his defense against Tsarukyan, it will be an attempt to make history with four successful Lightweight title defenses. Makhachev last defended his title when he scored a fifth round d’arce choke against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June 2024 (watch highlights).