Arman Tsarukyan has conceded that Islam Makhachev was previously the only lightweight who could outwrestle him.
Right now, Arman Tsarukyan feels like the number one contender in waiting at 155 pounds. Unfortunately, he wasn’t given the chance to shine at UFC 324 in the interim lightweight title fight, and instead, Justin Gaethje took advantage of his opportunity and became the champ. Now, he’s expected to go on and face Ilia Topuria to unify the titles, perhaps at the White House this summer.
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Tsarukyan, meanwhile, has opted to keep himself busy in other ways. He is taking on any and all challengers in different combat sports formats such as grappling, and more than likely, we will see him get booked against another lightweight at some point later this year.
Recently, Tsarukyan was asked about who he felt could hang with him in the wrestling department in the division, and he named a man who is now up at welterweight.
Tsarukyan discusses Makhachev’s wrestling
“Right now, at 155? Nobody,” Tsarukyan told Demetrious Johnson when ’Mighty Mouse’ asked him who could outwrestle him. “I shouldn’t worry. It was Islam, but he went up.”
“He doesn’t waste energy,” Tsarukyan added. “He’s so calm, too.”
Quotes via MMA Fighting
It’s safe to say that Arman is easily one of the best wrestlers in the lightweight division, and perhaps in the entire UFC right now. At this point, it’s all about seeing whether or not he can finally live up to that full potential and win the gold that he’s been pursuing for years.
Would you be interested in seeing Arman Tsarukyan take on Islam Makhachev in any form of combat sport in the future? Let us know your thoughts on this and their careers as a whole in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!