Arman Tsarukyan has made it clear he sees vulnerabilities in lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, despite the dominant perception of Makhachev’s invincibility within the division.
In a conversation with Daniel Cormier on the *DC Check-In*, Tsarukyan expressed his confidence in being able to defeat Makhachev, highlighting that any fighter at the top level is beatable under the right circumstances.
Tsarukyan’s analysis extended to Makhachev’s performance against Alexander Volkanovski, suggesting external factors like jet lag might have affected Makhachev’s showing, which he characterized as subpar. This insight into his mindset shows Tsarukyan’s attention to detail and his belief in the importance of conditions surrounding a fight.
Tsarukyan Views on Islam Makhachev’s MMA Dominance Reputation
His previous encounter with Makhachev, though a loss, was a closely contested bout that many viewed as one of Makhachev’s toughest tests. This adds an intriguing layer to their potential rematch, as Tsarukyan has grown significantly as a fighter since that first meeting.
Following his recent win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, Tsarukyan was promptly offered a rematch with Makhachev at UFC 302.
On *The MMA Hour* with Ariel Helwani, Tsarukyan explained his decision to decline this fight, citing the short notice and his desire for a full training camp to prepare adequately, especially considering his status as the number one contender.
He pointed out the importance of being fully prepared for such a critical bout, especially when he believes he has a realistic chance to win the championship.
Arman Tsarukyan doesn’t understand why everyone thinks Islam Makhachev is “unbeatable”. He also says Islam “looked bad” in his first fight with Volkanovski:
“I feel like I can beat [Islam]. Everybody thinks he’s like unbeatable… I don’t know why…
First fight with Islam… pic.twitter.com/PtOngTawaX
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 17, 2024
This strategic approach to his career progression not only ensures that he feels fully prepared for his next title shot but also shows his learning from past experiences.
By prioritizing optimal preparation, Tsarukyan is aiming to maximize his chances when he eventually fights for the title, a mentality that could be pivotal in his quest to become the lightweight champion.
