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The American-Russian lightweight phenom Arman Tsarukyan is not a fan of the UFC lightweight division leaders and criticized them for not creating a path for the future crop of luminaries. It looks like Tsarukyan has adopted the style of the Notorious Conor McGregor when was still a promising young fighter.
UFC lightweight division is regarded as the best in all of MMA by many people. The division is full of talent, each one of them worthy of holding the title, known for their commitment and fascinating fighting flair. The top 5 rankings in the division are being held by former champion Charles Oliveira, the former title challengers Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Beneil Dariush, and Michael Chandler with Islam Makhachev being the champion.
Tsarukyan wants to face a well-known opponent after steadily and impressively moving up the rankings. Despite his ambitions for a person of the aforementioned class, Tsarukyan believes that the particular trio of Poirier Gaethje and Chandler should put an end to their conflict completely.
“[Chandler] needs to retire already. All of them need to retire,” Tsarukyan told Hardcore MMA (h/t Red Corner MMA). “[Beneil] Dariush... no, not him. Chandler, Poirier, Gaethje. Just get rid of them. Eliminate from the top 15. All they do is fight each other and that’s it. They don’t want to fight anyone. Those three guys are my least favorite fighters.''
Tsarukyan is presently rated #9 at 155 pounds and has a record of 6-1 since making a promotion debut back in 2018 against the current champion Islam Makhachev. Tsarukyan has bounced back from his decision loss to Mateusz Gamrot by defeating Damir Ismagulov last weekend at UFC Vegas 66 at the APEX in Las Vegas. After the recent win, enthusiasts have been demanding a future clash against highly anticipated lightweight Michael Chandler.
“Chandler is not a threat,” Tsarukyan continued. “He can’t do anything to Islam (Makhachev). He charges like a bull in rounds one and two. If you watch his fight with Gaethje, he fought like a dummy. You’re a wrestler. Why are you fighting in stand-up with him? You pick him up, set him down, and don’t even get the position. Why did you even pick him up? Even threw him over the shoulder. You call that a wrestler? If you pick him up, you have to get the position. No logic. He’s old and it’s time to retire.”
Tsarukyan feels confident about beating the current UFC lightweight champion if the rematch happens in a near future. He expressed that Makhachev has geared up his game but that won’t stop him from having his hand on the gold strap.
“That would be No. 9,” Tsarukyan said of the toughest challenge for Makhachev. “No. 9 will give him the most competitive fight out of all top 15 fighters. I’m sure of it. I showed in my UFC debut that I can compete with him.
“He has since improved and so have I. Hopefully, we’ll fight again.”