Top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan is going to need an all-star cast of teammates if he is to dethrone the seemingly unbeatable Islam Makhachev.
Having already fought once before, the pair appear to be on a collision course as Tsarukyan continues to rack up wins and rise through the UFC ranks. Even with the prospect of moving up to welterweight a key option for Makhachev, he is keen to get one more record-breaking title defence in against his old rival.
Tsarukyan is currently suspended after punching out at a fan during the ring walk for his UFC 300 fight with Charles Oliveira. But in the meantime he is going to film a reality TV show, where he will meet Khamzat Chimaev and ask him to help with fight preparations.
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Arman Tsarukyan plans to team up with Khamzat Chimaev for Islam Makhachev fight
While dealing with his suspension, Arman Tsarukyan is set to compete against Khamzat Chimaev on the latest season of Hype Reality. The show is a reality TV series similar to The Ultimate Fighter, and run by Hype Fighting Championship in Russia.
Tsarukyan and Chimaev are set to face off as coaches for young Russian fighters coming through in the promotion. But the lightweight contender is keen to actually form a bond with his rival coach, and work together with him for the biggest challenge of his career.
“Of course, why not?” He replied when asked by Sport24 if he would like to actually team up with Chimaev while coaching against him during the show’s film. “Khamzat fights well and will test his strength.
“To be honest, he is there, and if there’s an opportunity to train with him, it would be good. Since he is tall and can work in a left-handed stance, I will ask him to train with me. In general, his build is similar to Islam’s.”
Islam Makhachev believes Arman Tsarukyan rematch ‘doesn’t make sense’
While Tsarukyan has more than earned a shot at the belt, there is the slight issue of his having already lost to Islam Makhachev in 2019. And with the Russian eyeing a potential fight with welterweight champion Leon Edwards, he isn’t too keen on a fight with his old foe.
Speaking after his win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, Makhachev said: “It does not make sense when you have rematch. I need some new challenge. But if Dana want, let’s do it. No problem.”
He also discussed how a fight with Edwards would be better for his ‘legacy’. “Who doesn’t want to be double champion?” the lightweight champion added. “This is history. How many double champions we have? This is a dream for all fighters, to get second belt.
“This is my dream. I want to be in the history and people know me like double champ. This is my dream. If I have chance, a small chance, I will get. If you want a great legacy, you have to get second belt. It’s my opinion.”