Arman Tsarukyan is ready for the fitting time to step into the cage with Islam Makhachev once more.
Tsarukyan scored the most important win of his profession this previous Saturday at UFC 300, incomes a break up nod over former light-weight champ Charles Oliveira to probably arrange a struggle with Makhachev, the present champion. A bout between Tsarukyan and Makhachev would mark the second time they’ve shared the octagon, with Makhachev proudly owning an April 2019 win over the then-debuting Tsarukyan.
On The MMA Hour, Tsarukyan confirmed that he was requested if he could be keen to struggle Makhachev at UFC 302 on June 1, however he declined.
“It’s true,” Tsarukyan mentioned. “After I left the octagon, immediately [UFC COO Hunter Campell] got here and mentioned, ‘June 1. Islam.’ I mentioned I’ve obtained to assume. It was, like, seven weeks [away], and I can’t soar too quick, so I’ve obtained to relaxation a bit of bit and have a camp. If it was the tip of June, I’d take that struggle as a result of I’d have at the very least 10 weeks — two weeks relaxation and eight weeks for preparation.
“Why I’ve obtained to take the identical danger like I did for the primary struggle? It’s the identical factor, quick discover. I need to be prepared and I need to have a full coaching camp. Why, if I’m the No. 1 contender, why I’ve obtained to take the chance? After all, if I’m [only] within the high 10 and somebody mentioned, ‘Seven weeks, are you able to struggle on June 1?’ After all, I’m going to take it. However I simply beat the previous champion, a Corridor of Fame fighter, and it doesn’t make sense.”
It was as a substitute introduced Saturday that Makhachev will struggle Dustin Poirier within the UFC 302 most important occasion. “The Diamond” has alternated wins and losses over his previous 5 fights, however he holds latest wins over Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler, and Benoit Saint Denis.
Tsarukyan has been one of many light-weight division’s hottest fighters since his loss to Makhachev, going 9-1 together with his solely setback being a slim break up resolution loss to Mateusz Gamrot. When the UFC got here round to reward him for his efforts, it pained him to say no the title struggle provide.
“It was arduous to say no,” Tsarukyan mentioned. “It was arduous to say no, however I do know I’m going to struggle subsequent for the title with the winner of that [Makhachev vs. Poirier] struggle.”
Tsarukyan added that it’s understanding that the matchmakers need him to face the UFC 302 most important occasion winner.
At present, Tsarukyan trains at American Prime Staff in Florida with Poirier, however he would haven’t any subject going through his teammate if it meant combating for the title, although he’s undecided if Poirier feels the identical means. He’s extra assured that there could be no subject getting Makhachev to signal on the dotted line.
If Tsarukyan has to decide on his subsequent opponent, it’s Makhachev all the best way.
“It’s a troublesome query as a result of Poirier, he’s my teammate, and Islam, that man I need to beat a lot you’ll be able to’t even think about,” Tsarukyan mentioned. “First, he has the title, and second, it’s the rematch. That struggle, for me, is sensible. Undoubtedly, I need to see the winner is Islam Makhachev.
“However I’m not going to assist anyone there, I’m simply going to be out and watch the great struggle. Poirier is nice. He has a very good situation, he can knock out folks very simple. If Islam goes to do small errors, Poirier goes to knock him out. He has a really highly effective punch.”
