Tag: arman tsarukyan

Daniel Cormier Pushes Back On Interim Title Talk Amid Islam Makhachev Injury: ‘He’s Fought Twice Very Recently!’ 

Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier doesn’t think the idea of an interim lightweight title should be entertained while Islam Makhachev recovers. Makhachev cemented his grip on the crown earlier this summer when he put a stop to the late-career title ambitions of fan favorite Dustin Poirier at the UFC 302 pay-per-view in Newark. But […]

Continue Reading Daniel Cormier Pushes Back On Interim Title Talk Amid Islam Makhachev Injury: ‘He’s Fought Twice Very Recently!’  at MMA News.

Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier doesn’t think the idea of an interim lightweight title should be entertained while Islam Makhachev recovers.

Makhachev cemented his grip on the crown earlier this summer when he put a stop to the late-career title ambitions of fan favorite Dustin Poirier at the UFC 302 pay-per-view in Newark.

But the Dagestani may need to wait until 2025 before adding the name of another top contender at 155 pounds to his reign’s list of victims. While he was originally expected to defend the belt in a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan this October in Abu Dhabi, an injury has scuppered those plans.

According to the challenger, either December or early 2025 are the two estimates for the champ’s return. And should the latter of those come to fruition, the Russian-Armenian is open to competing for an interim title in the meantime.

That suggestion, however, has not gone down well with one former fighter-turned-color commentator…

Cormier On Tsarukyan’s Interim Title Proposal: ‘Why Are We Creating Belts?!’

During the latest episode of his Good Guy / Bad Guy show alongside Chael Sonnen on ESPN MMA’s YouTube channel, Cormier reacted to confirmation that injury will keep Makhachev out of UFC 308 this fall.

After revealing a conversation in which Makhachev told him that recovery won’t take too long, Cormier rejected suggestions that an interim champ should be crowned in the Dagestani’s brief absence.

Cormier pointed to Makhachev’s recent activity to push back on the interim title talk.

“You get hurt, at times. Islam Makhachev has been active. He fought in October in Abu Dhabi against Alexander Volkanovski. He fought in (June) in Newark…fought Dustin Poirier,” Cormier said. “He’s fought twice very recently. If he was to fight in October, it would have been three fights in a calendar year.

“There is no need for an interim championship. Chael, when in the world did we start to speak titles into existence?” Cormier continued. “Could you imagine, Chael, if when you were chasing down Anderson Silva and you go, ‘Well I’ll fight for an interim title if he ain’t ready in six months!’ … Who does Tsarukyan fight for the interim championship? It’s like, why are we creating belts, or trying (to)? … It just doesn’t need to be.”

In terms of the “who” aspect of Cormier’s remarks, Tsarukyan name-dropped Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Michael Chandler as potential options for an interim title showdown in the coming months.

It remains to be seen whether the UFC will fall on Tsarukyan or Cormier’s side. Should the promotion avoid an additional belt, the top lightweight contender would also appear content waiting a little longer for his first opportunity at achieving champ status on MMA’s biggest stage.

Continue Reading Daniel Cormier Pushes Back On Interim Title Talk Amid Islam Makhachev Injury: ‘He’s Fought Twice Very Recently!’  at MMA News.

Tsarukyan targets interim title bout with Islam Makhachev out: ‘Poirier, Gaethje, Chandler – doesn’t matter’

Tsarukyan Targets Interim Title Bout with Islam Makhachev Out: 'Poirier, Gaethje, Chandler – Doesn't MatterSurging lightweight title challenger, Arman Tsarukyan still has plans to compete for a title in his next outing –…

Tsarukyan Targets Interim Title Bout with Islam Makhachev Out: 'Poirier, Gaethje, Chandler – Doesn't Matter

Surging lightweight title challenger, Arman Tsarukyan still has plans to compete for a title in his next outing – albeit interim, with current undisputed champion, Islam Makhachev sidelined through an unspecified arm injury ahead of a targeted October matchup.

Tsarukyan, the current number one ranked lightweight challenger, earned his planned rematch fight against current pound-for-pound number one, Islam Makhachev back in April at UFC 300, taking out Charles Oliveira in a title-eliminator clash.

42542535603

Besting the Brazilian over the course of three rounds in a controversial split decision win, Armenia native, Tsarukyan was expected to take on the above-mentioned, Islam Makhachev at UFC 308 in October, until the latter was ruled out amid an arm injury.

Coach backs Islam Makhachev to make huge middleweight move: 'He's that good'

In his place comes an undisputed featherweight title fight as the unbeaten, Ilia Topuria takes on former gold holder, Max Holloway in the pair’s grudge fight in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Arman Tsarukyan welcomes fights other than Islam Makhachev

However, amid claims from most recent title challenger, Dustin Poirier how he would take on his American Top Team stablemate, Tsarukyan in an interim championship fight, Tsarukyan has welcomed the chance to fight a host of contenders for interim spoils next.

Arman Tsarukyan hit with nine month suspension by NSAC for altercation with fan at UFC 300
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“If Islam (Makhachev) can’t fight this year, for sure, I would like to fight for the interim title,” Arman Tsarukyan told Submission Radio. “Doesn’t matter who is gonna be in front of me. Dustin Poirier is a soldi fighter and he has a lot of experience. Yeah, it would be great. Dustin, (Justin) Gaethje, Michael Chandler as well. But, my focus [is] on Islam.”

Unbeaten in his last four straight fights, prior to his split judging win over Sao Paulo finisher, Oliveira – Tsarukyan had stopped perennial contender, Beneil Dariush with a stunning first round knockout in his sophomore headliner with the promotion back in December at UFC Fight Night Austin. 

Arman Tsarukyan On Coaching Reality Show Opposite Khamzat Chimaev: ‘I Want To Beat Him…’

Despite solidifying himself as the number one contender in the lightweight division with his latest win, Arman Tsarukyan has got some time on his hands. The 27-year old stated that he was offered the lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev on the same night that he defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. He turned that […]

Continue Reading Arman Tsarukyan On Coaching Reality Show Opposite Khamzat Chimaev: ‘I Want To Beat Him…’ at MMA News.

Despite solidifying himself as the number one contender in the lightweight division with his latest win, Arman Tsarukyan has got some time on his hands.

The 27-year old stated that he was offered the lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev on the same night that he defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 300.

He turned that opportunity down due to wanting more time to prepare and with Dustin Poirier stepping into his place at UFC 302, more time is certainly what he’s ended up with.

Makhachev was previously gearing up for a return to Abu Dhabi in October but a recently announced hand injury means that his huge rematch with Tsarukyan will be pushed back once again.

Instead, the next in line for a shot at the 155-pound title is keeping himself busy by coaching a similar series to The Ultimate Fighter, alongside another big name on the UFC roster.

Arman Tsarukyan Describes What It’s Like To Coach Against Khamzat Chimaev On Russian Reality TV Series

It was announced several months ago that Tsarukyan was set to feature on a reality TV series where both he and Khamzat Chimaev will coach competing teams.

Hype Reality 3 sees them go up against one another and as you can always expect when you have world class athletes involved, things are getting competitive as Tsarukyan detailed in a recent interview with Submission Radio.

“It’s good and I want to beat him, he wants to beat me so I train my fighters very well to win [against] his fighters.”

He went on to say that whilst both men are doing what they can to ensure the best results for their teams, tensions haven’t boiled over like they have done in previous seasons of The Ultimate Fighter.

“No, we have good relationship with Khamzat and that’s why we just like a sport you know. Who is going to win, nothing else, no drama.”

Read also: Umar Nurmagomedov Touts Bellator Champion As Islam Makhachev’s UFC Lightweight Successor

Continue Reading Arman Tsarukyan On Coaching Reality Show Opposite Khamzat Chimaev: ‘I Want To Beat Him…’ at MMA News.

Arman Tsarukyan Names 3 Opponent Options For Interim UFC Title Fight In Light Of Islam Makhachev Injury

Should his expected shot at Islam Makhachev’s UFC lightweight title be delayed until 2025, Arman Tsarukyan is open to facing another contender for interim status. Tsarukyan secured his first opportunity at gold on MMA’s biggest stage by recording his biggest win to date at the expense of former champion Charles Oliveira on the milestone UFC […]

Continue Reading Arman Tsarukyan Names 3 Opponent Options For Interim UFC Title Fight In Light Of Islam Makhachev Injury at MMA News.

Should his expected shot at Islam Makhachev’s UFC lightweight title be delayed until 2025, Arman Tsarukyan is open to facing another contender for interim status.

Tsarukyan secured his first opportunity at gold on MMA’s biggest stage by recording his biggest win to date at the expense of former champion Charles Oliveira on the milestone UFC 300 card this past April.

With the promotion always looking to have Makhachev defend his belt in Abu Dhabi, Tsarukyan was expected to challenge his former opponent in the main event of UFC 308 this coming October.

Disaster stuck recently, however, after Makhachev suffered a severe hand injury that could leave him on the sidelines until late 2024 or even the next calendar year.

While a patient wait until December would be welcomed by Tsarukyan, the top contender wouldn’t mind returning to action in the meantime should the latter of those two timelines come to fruition…

Tsarukyan Open To Poirier, Gaethje, Chandler Matchups For Interim Title

During a recent appearance on Submission Radio, Tsarukyan provided an update on the status of his title shot following confirmation that Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway for the featherweight belt will instead top the UFC 308 lineup on Oct. 26.

The Russian-Armenian acknowledged that he may need to wait until 2025 to compete with undisputed gold on the line. And if that’s the case, he’d be open to adding a second champ to the division by facing either Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, or Michael Chandler for an interim strap.

“My manager told me I was gonna fight in October versus Islam, and then he said to UFC that he got injured. Now, they’ve moved that fight to December or maybe next year,” Tsarukyan said. “Of course it’s sad, because I already started training really hard and I’m in shape. … But it is what it is.

“If it’s December, for me it doesn’t matter. I’m gonna wait and train as much as I can,” Tsarukyan continued. “If Islam can’t fight this year, for sure I would like to fight for the interim title, and it doesn’t matter who is gonna be in front of me. Dustin Poirier, he is a solid fighter and he has a lot of experience. Yeah, it would be great. Dustin, Gaethje — Michael Chandler as well.”

During his rise up the lightweight ladder, Tsarukyan frequently accused the likes of Gaethje and Chandler of holding their top five positions hostage by not fighting up-and-comers.

More recently, his focus has been on Chandler’s continued wait for Conor McGregor’s comeback, which was recently scrapped from the UFC 303 card in June due to an injury to the Irishman.

With talk of Chandler finally moving on, perhaps the former three-time Bellator champ will be receptive to Tsarukyan’s interim title pitch.

Continue Reading Arman Tsarukyan Names 3 Opponent Options For Interim UFC Title Fight In Light Of Islam Makhachev Injury at MMA News.

Dustin Poirier offers to fight Arman Tsarukyan for title with Islam Makhachev injured

Dustin Poirier offers to fight Arman Tsarukyan for title amid Islam Makhachev injuryAmid the current uncertainty over the extent of undisputed lightweight titleholder, Islam Makhachev’s arm injury, former champion, Dustin Poirier…

Dustin Poirier offers to fight Arman Tsarukyan for title amid Islam Makhachev injury

Amid the current uncertainty over the extent of undisputed lightweight titleholder, Islam Makhachev’s arm injury, former champion, Dustin Poirier remains open to the possibility of taking on fellow American Top Team star, Arman Tsarukyan in an interim title fight next.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion, has been sidelined since he submitted the above-mentioned, Poirier back in May at UFC 302, through an undisclosed arm injury – with the extent of the layoff yet to be determined as he sports a supportive arm brace.

Dustin Poirier still unclear on fighting future I'm still unsure about what's next

Initially expected to fight number one ranked contender, Tsarukyan in a title rematch at UFC 308 in October, the promotion are instead now working on an undisputed featherweight title matchup between Ilia Topuria, and Max Holloway for the Abu Dhabi card instead.

tsarukyan

Dustin Poirier interested in Arman Tsarukyan grudge fight

And while still weighing up his immediate fighting future off the back of his D’Arce choke loss to pound-for-pound number one, Makhachev, Lafayette striker, Poirier claimed he would be interested in fighting Tsarukyan in an impromptu interim championship pairing.

14424911014

“I’m supposed to have surgery on my nose in October but like, if I’ve made a decision or something popped up I could push it back or whatever,” Dustin Poirier told MMA Junkie. “I’m just thinking, who is there for me to fight, but I’ve just got to do the 30 days, get in shape and get back on the mats hard, I haven’t been able to grapple.”

“I wonder what they’re [the UFC] are going to do, is Arman (Tsarukyan) gonna continue to wait for Islam (Makhachev)?” Dustin Poirier continued. “I don’t know when Islam’s gonna be back but I saw a thing that said he might have to have surgery so we’ll see, man. The lightweight division has been so crazy over these past years. Yeah for sure [an interim title fight with Tsarukyan] interests me.”

Who would win in a potential matchup: Dustin Poirier or Arman Tsarukyan?

Islam Makhachev Hand Injury: Is Potential UFC 308 Title Defense Against Arman Tsarukyan In Jeopardy?

Islam Makhachev has been eyeing a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan to defend his UFC lightweight championship. He last fought Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 and was expected to return at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on October 26, 2024. Makhachev and Tsarukyan first crossed paths in April 2019. Although the Armenian fighter threw and landed […]

Continue Reading Islam Makhachev Hand Injury: Is Potential UFC 308 Title Defense Against Arman Tsarukyan In Jeopardy? at MMA News.

Islam Makhachev has been eyeing a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan to defend his UFC lightweight championship. He last fought Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 and was expected to return at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on October 26, 2024.

Makhachev and Tsarukyan first crossed paths in April 2019. Although the Armenian fighter threw and landed more strikes, the Dagestani prospect bagged the decision win due to four takedowns and over five minutes of control time.

The UFC lightweight kingpin had recently revealed a hand injury that could potentially delay his return. Makhachev and his coach have now shared more details and clarified whether defending the title at UFC 308 is no longer a possibility…

Islam Makhachev’s UFC Return Could Be Delayed To Early 2025

Javier Mendez recently appeared on Helen Yee Sports on YouTube and shared the implications of Makhachev’s hand injury. The coach first explained that a ligament-related injury has left the champion unable to train.

“Yes, he’s got a ligament injury and he’s, you know, looking for consultation. Not looking, he’s getting consultation from different doctors and we’ll see what they say he has to do. But yeah, no, he’s not going to be able to train to, you know, for a fight so probably late December November or maybe January, I don’t know. Depends on what the UFC, and them, can come up with but he’s definitely not going to be ready to fight, you know, in October [UFC 308], like people are hoping.”

As per Mendez, Makhachev is currently receiving advice from several doctors that would decide the fate of his UFC return. However, he admitted that defending the UFC lightweight belt at UFC 308 in October is unlikely.

Mendez believes that a late 2024 or early 2025 return to the Octagon is more realistic for Makhachev. Because there’s a lack of contenders at lightweight, Tsarukyan is still likely to be the challenger. Moving up a weight class is also off the table because Makhachev and Belal Muhammad have been training together and have no intention to fight each other.

Continue Reading Islam Makhachev Hand Injury: Is Potential UFC 308 Title Defense Against Arman Tsarukyan In Jeopardy? at MMA News.