Benir Dariush believes that “energy conservation” will be a differentiating factor in a possible clash between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan.
Tsarukyan earned himself a chance at a title fight with Makhachev after winning a split decision in a title eliminator bout against Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April, but last month, Tsarukyan declined the title fight at UFC 302, citing short notice. Makhachev, who was locked in defending his lightweight title over the summer, defeated Dustin Poirier by submission in the fifth round in the main event of UFC 302.
Meanwhile, Tsarukyan was fined $25,000 and suspended for nine months for punching a spectator during his bout at UFC 300. However, the suspension will be reduced to six months if Tsarukyan issues a commission-approved anti-bullying public service announcement, making him eligible to compete by October 12. Makhachev is likely to take part in UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on October 26, meaning Tsarukyan is expected to challenge the champion next.
Fresh off a first-round knockout loss to Tsarukyan, Dariush recently offered his prediction for a potential bout between “Akhalkalakez” and Makhachev. Dariush observed Makhachev slow down over time in his tough bout with Poirier, but the Assyrian-American believes Tsarukyan will slow down even more. Dariush believes Makhachev is conserving his energy more and will beat Tsarukyan by decision or in the late rounds. According to Dariush, “Akhalkalakez” only has a chance to win early in the bout and will likely lose if the bout drags on.
“The opportunity I found for Makhachev was [fight against Poirier] It was the same one he saw when he fought. [Alexander] “Volkanovski certainly slows down a lot, so that might be a big factor,” Dariush told Submission Radio. “But the thing is, Arman Tsarukyan also slows down, and he’s slower than him. I think Islam’s biggest assets are his takedown defense and his patience, so I think he’s a better fighter economically than Tsarukyan, and I think that’s going to be the key to this fight. I think the fight will go into the later rounds, which will favor Makhachev. I think Makhachev will win, probably by decision or by finishing him at the end, but I think the early rounds are Arman’s best chance. He’s explosive. He can get out there early and get an early KO or submission, but in my opinion, it’s going to be hard to win a five-round fight.”
Tsarukyan made his UFC debut on short notice against Makhachev in 2019 and struggled against the Dagestan native, losing a narrow unanimous decision. Dariush believes the win gives Makhachev a slight advantage, but also suggests the champion should capitalize on his shortcomings from that bout.
“I think it’s definitely an advantage, but there’s a problem,” Dariush said. “I think he has to remember, ‘Oh, here’s my weakness and he exploited it,’ so that’s something to think about… It’ll be interesting to see who makes the bigger adjustments. The last fight was close, and I think this will be close again. And I think it’s Makhachev’s ability to conserve energy that will win this fight.”
