Arman Tsarukyan says that Islam Makhachev is avoiding him by fighting Dustin

19 March 2024

Arman Tsarukyan, a rising contender in the UFC lightweight division, is confident in his ability to pose a significant challenge to reigning champion Islam Makhachev. Tsarukyan faced Makhachev in his UFC debut back in April 2019, losing a close Fight of the Night bout. Since then, Tsarukyan has compiled an impressive 8-1 record, securing victories over notable opponents like Damir Ismagulov and Beneil Dariush.

Scheduled to square off against Charles Oliveira (34-9 MMA, 22-9 UFC) at UFC 300 on April 13 in a bout labeled as a No. 1 contender matchup by UFC CEO Dana White, Tsarukyan believes Makhachev may be avoiding a potential rematch with him. Despite Makhachev expressing openness to a bout with Dustin Poirier next, Tsarukyan suggests that Makhachev perceives him as a more dangerous adversary.

In an interview with Morning Kombat, Tsarukyan expressed his view, stating, “I feel like Islam wants to avoid us. He feels like I’m going to win, and for him, it’s better to fight Poirier than me because I am more dangerous for him. I know wrestling, and maybe he can make more money with Dustin. Probably because of that, he’s interested. Anyway, for me, it doesn’t matter. I just focus on Charles Oliveira. After that fight, we’re going to talk.”

Meanwhile, Dustin Poirier, the former interim champion, is riding high on momentum following a knockout victory over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299. Given Poirier's recent success, a potential matchup with Makhachev presents an intriguing prospect, offering the champion a fresh challenge against an opponent he hasn't faced before, unlike Tsarukyan and Oliveira.

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With Makhachev eyeing a return to action in June, the landscape of the lightweight division remains dynamic, with Tsarukyan positioning himself as a formidable threat and a contender for the championship title.