Islam Makhachev is openly puzzled by the next step UFC chose for the lightweight division. As the promotion begins its 2026 schedule, the championship path is already set without Arman Tsarukyan in consideration, which Makhachev believes is a mistake.
UFC 324 on January 24 will begin with two title bouts. Justin Gaethje is meeting Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight belt, while Kayla Harrison faces Amanda Nunes. Since Ilia Topuria remains unavailable until April and the interim matchup is already signed, Tsarukyan once again waits on the sidelines.
When asked about the situation, Makhachev did not hesitate.
“The organization may not like it, but they make more and more fights that I do not understand,” he said to Red Corner MMA. “Of course, I think Arman should have gotten the title shot. Let us be honest, Arman is not going to fight anytime soon.
“It is Pimblett vs. Gaethje, whoever wins, he gets a shot at Topuria. Meaning one more year of layoff for Arman. It is tough.”
Islam Makhachev doesn’t understand why the UFC didn’t give Arman Tsarukyan a title shot 😬
“They make more and more fights that I don’t understand. Let’s be honest, Arman isn’t going to fight any time soon.
It’s Pimblett vs Gaethje. Whoever wins gets a shot at Topuria. Meaning… pic.twitter.com/yVCYh0rKK7
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 10, 2025
Makhachev explains why Tsarukyan deserves the opportunity
Tsarukyan was scheduled to face Makhachev at UFC 311, but withdrew the day before the event due to a back injury. Despite returning in November and scoring a dominant finish over Dan Hooker, UFC CEO Dana White repeatedly stated Tsarukyan had to prove himself again. Even after doing so, the title ladder still moved without him.
Makhachev recognizes the long road in front of his former opponent, noting his own struggle to reach the championship.
“Although I have had the same period in my career, I had ten fights before getting the title shot, I mean a ten fight winning streak, so Arman should probably wait a bit and be patient.”
The former lightweight champion now holds a win over Tsarukyan from 2019, when Tsarukyan entered the UFC, but continues to respect him as a clear contender. While Makhachev has already secured gold at welterweight after defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, he remains vocal about what he believes is the most justified matchup at lightweight.
For now, the Gaethje versus Pimblett winner will advance toward Topuria, leaving Tsarukyan on the outside again.
