Arman Tsarukyan is ready to strive for a return to the UFC lightweight title.
Tsarukian defeated former champion Charles Oliveira by split decision at UFC 300 last year, earning him the gold medal against Islam Makhachev. “Ahal Karaketz” was scheduled to challenge Makhachev in the main event of UFC 311 this Saturday at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. However, Tsarukyan withdrew on the day of the weigh-in due to a lower back injury.
Renato “Money” Moicano, who was originally scheduled to fight Beneil Darish on the same card, grabbed a last-minute title shot against Makhachev. ‘Moicano’ made several tags to Makhachev, but the champion ultimately quickly finished off the Brazilian with a Bravo choke in the first round.
UFC CEO Dana White doesn’t seem too happy with Tsarukyan, making it clear that the Russian won’t be winning another title at lightweight. And Tsarukyan is not complaining. The lightweight contender is ready to fight his way back into title contention. And a rematch with “De Bronx” appears to be the most realistic option for Tsarukyan.
“I agree with that [Dana White]. Once my hip heals, I’m ready to prove I’m real [No. 1] Try fighting against those in front of you! ” he wrote.
“[Charles Oliveira] A 5-round format makes the most sense. ”
i agree @Dana White. Once your back heals, you’ll be ready to take on whoever’s in front of you and prove you’re the true #1 contender! https://t.co/LAI2khcxCX
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc)
January 19, 2025
@CharlesDoBronxs
Makes the most sense in a 5 rounder
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc)
January 19, 2025
Meanwhile, Michael Chandler, who has lost four of his last five fights and is far from the title picture, called out Tsarukyan. Tsarukian did not rule out the idea, but wanted to fight Oliveira, who had already defeated Chandler twice.
“If I don’t come, I won’t be able to attack you. If you can, please defeat me.
[Arman Tsarukyan]” Chandler wrote.
“I’m not against it, but it seems more convincing to fight someone who has defeated me twice,” Tsarukyan replied.
I’m not against it, but it seems more convincing to fight someone who has defeated you twice. https://t.co/urmybysT8f
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc)
January 19, 2025
Tsarukyan and Makhachev had mutual respect leading up to UFC 311. Tsarukyan congratulated Makhachev on his victory over Moikano and also had words of encouragement for the champion’s teammate, Umar Nurmagomedov, who lost to Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight gold medal.
congratulations @MerabDvalishvil
🇬🇪🇺🇸! Today you’re dancing alone, but soon I’ll be dancing with you too 👊
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc)
January 19, 2025
congratulations @MAKHCHEVMMA
Raise your head towards victory, @UNmgdv – Better days are ahead!
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc)
January 19, 2025
Source link
