Tag: arman tsarukyan

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 […]

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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

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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 […]

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

Charles Oliveira Lists 8 Opponent Options For Fans To Choose From For His UFC Return: ‘Who Would You Like To See?’

Charles Oliveira lost a razor-close decision to Arman Tsarukyan last time out at UFC 300, and he’s now looking for a new opponent. With 19 post-fight bonuses, the Brazilian’s easily one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC and there are several intriguing matchups for him. Oliveira bagged the UFC lightweight championship by beating […]

Continue Reading Charles Oliveira Lists 8 Opponent Options For Fans To Choose From For His UFC Return: ‘Who Would You Like To See?’ at MMA News.

Charles Oliveira lost a razor-close decision to Arman Tsarukyan last time out at UFC 300, and he’s now looking for a new opponent.

With 19 post-fight bonuses, the Brazilian’s easily one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC and there are several intriguing matchups for him.

Oliveira bagged the UFC lightweight championship by beating Michael Chandler in May 2021. He defended it against Dustin Poirier before being stripped after missing weight prior to his victory over Justin Gaethje.

Since failing to regain the title in his clash with Islam Makhachev, he’s defeated Beneil Dariush and is looking for another high-profile win to get a another shot at the gold.

From Makhachev to Colby Covington, here are all the fighters that Oliveira is open to facing in his UFC return…

Oliveira Eyes Rematch Against Makhachev, Also Open To Money Fights With McGregor, Covington, Poirier

Oliveira recently posted training footage on Instagram and asked his fans to choose his next opponent. He’s willing to fight the following names on the UFC roster:

  • Islam Makhachev
  • Arman Tsarukyan
  • Dustin Poirier
  • Conor McGregor
  • Max Holloway
  • Justin Gaethje
  • Alexander Volkanovski
  • Colby Covington

Alongside the list, Oliveira declared his intention to fight shortly.

“Who would you like to see me fight next? The Lion is ready!!”

“Do Bronx” has already fought Tsarukyan, Makhachev, Poirier, Gaethje, and Holloway. While Makhachev submitted him in the second, he fought through adversity to beat “The Diamond” and “The Highlight.” The fight with Holloway ended due to the Brazilian sustaining a shoulder injury, and fans could look forward to seeing the rematch more than ever now.

The other matchups on the list won’t necessarily move the needle in the UFC lightweight division. McGregor has lost three out of his last four fights and will most likely return to face Michael Chandler. Volkanovski, meanwhile, is 0-2 in the lightweight division and has yet to rematch Ilia Topuria for the UFC featherweight title.

Covington is another opponent that “Do Bronx” would fight to entertain the fans. The former interim UFC welterweight champion decisively lost to Leon Edwards in his last fight and appears unlikely to fight for the title again.

Regardless of the opponent, it is safe to assume that Oliveira will bring the fight to the Octagon and give fans another gritty performance.

Continue Reading Charles Oliveira Lists 8 Opponent Options For Fans To Choose From For His UFC Return: ‘Who Would You Like To See?’ at MMA News.

Islam Makhachev Next Fight Opponent & Date Speculated: Will Hand Injury Affect His Title Defense Against Arman Tsarukyan?

Islam Makhachev last defended his UFC lightweight title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 on June 2, 2024. He’s defended the belt thrice now, and fans are excited to see him battle it out against former rival Arman Tsarukyan. The Armenian prospect is riding a four-fight win-streak which includes a decision win over former champ […]

Continue Reading Islam Makhachev Next Fight Opponent & Date Speculated: Will Hand Injury Affect His Title Defense Against Arman Tsarukyan? at MMA News.

Islam Makhachev last defended his UFC lightweight title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 on June 2, 2024. He’s defended the belt thrice now, and fans are excited to see him battle it out against former rival Arman Tsarukyan.

The Armenian prospect is riding a four-fight win-streak which includes a decision win over former champ Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. However, he’ll be out of action until, at least, October 12, 2024, due to a suspension for punching a fan while walking out.

Makhachev has now revealed a hand injury as well, and here’s how it could affect his next fight and opponent.

Who Is Islam Makhachev’s Next Fight?

Despite the hand injury, Makhachev is most likely to fight Tsarukyan for the UFC lightweight championship next. “Ahalkalakets” is the only fighter in the division with a strong case for a title shot, and the kingpin has acknowledged it repeatedly.

Interestingly, Makhachev is one of the only three fighters to beat Tsarukyan in his pro-MMA career. They fought in April 2019 at UFC Fight Night 149 and after three rounds of high-level grappling exchanges, the Dagestani fighter got the judges’ nod.

Since the loss, Tsarukyan has racked up nine wins, and his close decision loss to Mateusz Gamrot was seen as an impressive performance nonetheless.

When Will Islam Makhachev Return To The UFC?

Makhachev, during an interview with Ushatayka on YouTube, revealed that a hand injury might force him to get surgery, meaning he might not be able to fight at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. This was the event rumored to feature his next title defense but naturally, it is hard to confirm anything now.

The news is undeniably disappointing for fans of the UFC lightweight champion as he was keen to defend his title again in 2024.

Tsarukyan, on the other hand, will feature in an anti-bullying PSA video to reduce his nine-month suspension to six and be eligible to fight after October 12. This could become insignificant if the champion cannot fight, though.

Read also: Israel Adesanya Reacts To Belal Muhammad’s Title Win Over Leon Edwards At UFC 304: ‘I’m A Fan Now!’

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