Following his win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 earlier this month, Arman Tsarukyan was offered a lightweight title shot, to fight Islam Makhachev in June.
Arman Tsarukyan picked up the biggest win of his career thus far against Charles Oliveira, edging in a split decision.
Following the fight, the UFC offered him the chance to fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 on June 1st. Despite that, the 27-year-old turned down the opportunity as he wanted longer to be able to prepare.
The UFC then decided to give the lightweight title shot to Dustin Poirier – following his UFC 299 win against Benoit Saint-Denis.
Islam Makhachev ‘not surprised’ by Tsarukyan turning down the fight
‘Ahalkalakets’ debut fight in the UFC came against Islam Makhachev, and he was beaten via unanimous decision. Since then, both 155lbers have worked their way up to the top of the decision where they could’ve ended up rematching for the title.
Islam Makhachev isn’t surprised by Tsarukyan turning down the title shot and has claimed that it’s the ‘3rd or 4th’ time he has done so.
“I’m not surprised (Tsarukyan turned down the fight). This guy talks about a rematch all his life, but this is maybe 3rd or 4th time the UFC gave him a chance to fight with me and he said no.” Makhachev told the New York Sports Post.
Another lightweight who has criticized Tsarukyan’s decision to turn down the title fight is Michael Chandler. ‘Iron Mike’ questioned the 27-year-old’s decision, “I also don’t understand why he didn’t take (the Islam Makhachev) fight. I would’ve taken it. This sport moves fast.” Chandler told The MMA Hour.
Arman Tsarukyan claps back at Michael Chandler
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“I don’t expect you to understand.” Tsarukyan clapped back at the 38-year-old on X. “We are not on the same level. I am here to be a champ. You are just waiting for a paycheck.”
‘Ahalkalakets’ also returned the favor by saying that he doesn’t understand why Chandler waited around for two years for the fight against Conor McGregor.
“I also don’t understand why you waited (for the Conor McGregor fight) for 2 years, you could’ve lost 4 exciting fights during that time.” Tsarukyan added.
Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor are finally set to fight on June 29th on International Fight Week, over a year after they coached across from each other on The Ultimate Fighter.
Tsarukyan on the other hand is likely to wait for the culmination of Makhachev vs Poirier before he decides his next move. If the number one-ranked lightweight decides to wait for the next title shot, he will likely fight for the belt before the end of the year.
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