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In a seismic upheaval at UFC Austin, Arman Tsarukyan’s lightning-fast knockout victory over Beneil Dariush has sent shockwaves through the UFC's lightweight landscape, leaving Dana White, the organization's head honcho, contemplating the tangled web it’s created within the division's title contention.
The headline bout at the recent Fight Night event was a brief but explosive affair, culminating in a mere 64 seconds when ‘Akhalkalakets’ unleashed a stunning knee-to-punch combination, sending Dariush into a sudden slumber.
This emphatic finish marks Tsarukyan’s third consecutive triumph, following wins over Joaquim Silva by TKO and a decision victory against Damir Ismagulov. Notably, his record boasts an impressive 8-1 streak since his short-notice loss to Islam Makhachev in 2019.
White, addressing the media during the post-fight press conference, admitted,
“It does [throw a wrench into things]. I mean, you definitely have to look at how he looked tonight. And I don’t know, we’ll see what happens.”
The UFC CEO further fueled speculation, suggesting a potential rematch between Tsarukyan and Makhachev could set the Octagon ablaze, particularly citing its appeal in the Middle East.
"[The fight will be] Big. Yeah, it’s a great stylistic matchup. That’s a great fight,” remarked White, hinting at the blockbuster potential of the rematch.
Initial plans had revolved around booking a showdown between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev. However, Tsarukyan’s recent meteoric rise has thrown a spanner into the works, compelling the UFC to reevaluate their championship aspirations.
With a stellar Octagon record of 8-2, Tsarukyan’s only defeats have come via decisions against Mateusz Gamrot and Islam Makhachev, the latter loss potentially hinting at a riveting rematch in the division.
As the dust settles and the lightweight division bristles with anticipation, fight enthusiasts eagerly await the UFC's decision. Who will Makhachev face next? The question looms large, inviting fervent discussions and speculation among fans in the electrifying aftermath of Tsarukyan's latest triumph.