Arman Tsarukyan not impressed by ‘slow’ Islam Makhachev, sees him as an easy opponent

Arman Tsarukyan, the top-ranked lightweight contender, believes he would have had an easy time defeating UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302. After Makhachev’s fifth-round submission win over Dustin Poirier in the main event, Tsarukyan expressed his thoughts on Makhachev’s performance, criticizing his conditioning and stating that he could have out-wrestled him due to his fatigue.

In an interview on The MMA Hour, Tsarukyan stated, “It would be a very easy fight for me. I could out-wrestle him that fight as well, because he got tired. When you’re tired, you can’t do shit. Even if you have the best skills in the world, if you’re tired, you’re done.” Tsarukyan emphasized the importance of cardio in a fight and highlighted Makhachev’s history of getting tired in five-round fights.

Despite Tsarukyan’s confidence in his abilities, Makhachev has set his sights on moving up to challenge for the welterweight title. While Tsarukyan understands the appeal of a potential double belt opportunity for Makhachev, he believes the champion should prove himself further in the lightweight division before making the jump to welterweight.

However, it seems Tsarukyan may get the chance to face Makhachev sooner than expected. UFC CEO Dana White and Makhachev have both expressed openness to a rematch with Tsarukyan, with rumors circulating about a possible showdown at UFC’s annual event in New York in November at Madison Square Garden.

Tsarukyan is eager for the opportunity to fight at such a historic venue, stating, “He wants to fight in New York, Madison Square Garden. That’s the best-case scenario for me. It’s one of the best places in the world for fighting. It’s a historic place, Madison Square Garden. A lot of guys have fought there, boxers, a lot of events have been there. I want to fight there once in my life.”

As the potential rematch between Tsarukyan and Makhachev looms, fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of this highly anticipated showdown between two talented fighters in the UFC lightweight division.