- Arman Tsarukyan explained why he thinks he deserves a title shot
- “Ahalkalakets” is optimistic about beating Islam Makhachev if they face each other in a rematch
No. 8 lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan is certain a title fight with Islam Makhachev should be taken into account now that he has won two consecutive fights. With enough time, “Ahalkalakets” is positive he could beat the reigning champion in a rematch.
The only fighter who can beat Islam
Speaking to Low Kick MMA, Tsarukyan said he called out Makhachev after his recent TKO win over Joaquim Silva because he believes he is the only lightweight contender who has the skill set to dethrone the champ.
“That fight makes sense,” Tsarukyan said of facing Makhachev. “I think just, [only] me can beat him in this division. It’s my opinion ya know. I wanna get that fight and that’s why I gotta call him (out) all the time after fights.”
“It’s like almost dream fight for me now,” he added. “All of my focus is to be a champion. That’s why I called him out. And we’ll see, maybe next year we’re gonna fight with each other. And, I want to see my improvements. I want to see my skills. And that fight, I think that’s the most competitive fight for me.”
Better in all Categories
When asked about how he could possibly beat Makhachev, Tsarukyan admitted that he only needs “eight weeks” but as far as overall attributes go, he isn’t worried because he knows he is better in both ground and stand-up.
“I think I’m gonna defend his wrestling and I’m gonna beat him on the stand [up],” Tsarukyan assessed. “I believe my striking is better my kicks, my boxing. He has a good clinch but I think my footwork, my kicks and my boxing [are] much better but yeah he has good things on striking too, we gotta be careful… I know how can I beat him and I wanna show that [to] everybody. I [just] needed like eight weeks yeah it’s gonna be tough fight but I know like, I believe myself and I’ll go there just for win.”
Tsarukyan lost to Makhachev in his UFC debut in 2019 via unanimous decision. After going 7-1 since the defeat, “Ahalkalakets” thinks he is ready to bounce back and become the new lightweight champion.
