Arman Tsarukyan recently downplayed the “invincible” aura surrounding Islam Makhachev.
Tsarukyan suddenly lost a unanimous decision to Makhachev in his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut in 2019. Since then, the Armenian-American has been looking for an opportunity to make amends as Makhachev rises to the top of the lightweight division.
Tsarukyan strengthened his case for gold with a split decision win over former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 earlier this month.
‘Ahal Karakets’ was immediately offered a title fight against Makhachev at UFC 302 on June 1st, but he turned it down due to his quick response. The shot went to Dustin Poirier as Makhachev claimed to defend his title in the summer.
Tsarukyan recently dismissed the idea that he needed a special training camp in preparation for a potential rematch with Makhachev. The lightweight contender stressed the need for a proper training camp in preparation for his first UFC title shot, regardless of his opponent.
According to the Russian, the narrative that Makhachev is special was falsely created by fans. Tsarukyan also pointed out that the Dagestani champion is considered undefeated despite suffering a knockout loss in his UFC debut against Adriano Martins in 2015.
“It was people who came up with the idea in their heads that Islam is special,” Tsarukian told KPSport (Via Championship Round). “The same human being, but they made him an undefeated champion. He lost too, but he was knocked out. We are all human, so we can lose. They made Makhachev an invincible superhero. There’s no need.”
