The UFC 302 main event on June 1 featured a thrilling showdown for the lightweight title, with dominant champion Islam Makhachev facing off against former interim champion Dustin Poirier. The fight was grueling, even for the champion, and ‘The Diamond’ had an incredibly tough showing. The champion endured some tough moments within the Octagon but found the brabo choke finish in the fourth round to defend his title for the third time. With the win over Poirier, Makhachev equaled the UFC record for the most title defenses at. He is now ready for his fourth title defense against Arman Tsarukyan and only if he wins his fight he will extend it to four, and will now compete with his own mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov to beat his record.
He’ll have four there’s everybody’s had three he would have four. So he will be hoping he would break the record there so that in itself is history-making for him. So we’ll see what happens from there. But if he does another one that’s five. So in every fight he has, if he stays at lightweight it will basically be a legacy fight.”, concluded the famed coach of the American Kickboxing Academy.
Islam Makhachev is working his way back from an injury and is up against, perhaps, the toughest challenge ahead of him. On the other hand, Arman Tsarukyan has impressed fight fans with his marked development as a fighter and is confident he can beat the champion. But why does the 27-year-old feel he will be the one to beat the Dagesatni champion? Well in a recent interview, he pointed out the strengths he has walking into the historic clash.
Arman Tsarukyan feels he is better than Islam Makhachev because of these reasons
Arman Tsarukyan is committed to doing whatever it takes to claim the lightweight title as he prepares to face Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 next month. While Makhachev’s dominance in the division is well-known, Tsarukyan believes he has the skills and determination to be the one to end the champion’s reign. Tsarukyan’s confidence stands out, especially when reflecting on their first fight, where he was a UFC newcomer with far less experience, and lost a three-round war to the current champion. Since then, Tsarukyan has grown tremendously and developed into one of the top contenders in the division.
Meanwhile, Makhachev has his sights set on making history by securing his fourth consecutive title defense at UFC 311. His path to dominance has been undeniable ad the reigning undisputed champion at lightweight hasn’t lost a fight since 2016, steadily defeating his opponents while sharpening both his grappling and striking skills.
In an interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Tsarukyan explained why he feels more prepared than ever to defeat the champion. When asked, “Why do you say you’re the only guy in the division who can beat him (Islam Makhachev)?” ‘Ahalkalakets’ had no hesitation in saying “First of all, I know how to wrestle very well. Secondly, I’m young and hungry. I’ve never had a belt, so that drives me a lot. I have plenty of energy for training, and I believe in myself. I’m the guy who is going to beat him.”
With the UFC lightweight title now within his grasp, Tsarukyan is riding high on confidence. He’s convinced that he possesses the skills needed to defeat Islam Makhachev and make a statement in the division. Can he rise to the occasion at UFC 311, dethrone the reigning champion, and inject fresh excitement into the lightweight ranks? Drop your thoughts below.
