UFC Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan faced each other in 2019 at UFC Fight Night. Tsarukyan lost to Makhachev by unanimous decision and has been trying to avenge his defeat ever since. However, Makhachev still thinks that “Ahalkalakets” has not evolved as a fighter. According to the lightweight champion, Tsarukyan is still the same as he was five years ago.
Makhachev’s words about Arman
Recently, in an interview, Makhachev said, “I saw a lot of his fights, he just speaks. He speaks good, he promotes himself. But he is the same fighter, and it’s not an exciting match for me, but we’ll fight soon.”
This statement from Makhachev holds a lot of significance, as Tsarukyan is due to face Makhachev for the title next. However, the Armenian fighter has shown some great improvement in his career recently.
Tsarukyan is serving a 9-month ban
After losing to Makhachev in 2019, Tsarukyan has fought 10 bouts in the promotion, out of which he only lost one and is currently on a four-match winning streak. The biggest moment of his career came at UFC 300, where he faced former champion Charles Oliveira and scored a split decision win by showing his improved skills. The Armenian fighter was caught in a submission choke early in the match, but he kept his composure to get out of it and attack his opponent.
Prior to this match, while making the entrance, Tsarukyan got into a physical altercation with a fan, which led to him being banned for 9 months. This significantly reduced his chances for a title fight. Now that Makhachev is recovering from a hand injury, the Armenian fighter has got a little more time to serve his ban and return.
Makhachev has suffered a hand injury
Recently, Makhachev revealed that he suffered an injury in his tough fight against Dustin Poirier. He claimed that his ligament was partially damaged, which might require surgery. The Dagestani fighter has expressed his desire to return to fighting before 2024 ends. However, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to recover in time. If the matchup is delayed, Tsarukyan will have more time to prepare himself and if he is successful in defeating the champion, Makhachev will surely be reminded of his words.
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