{"id":338815,"date":"2025-12-11T10:34:09","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T10:34:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/338815\/"},"modified":"2025-12-11T10:34:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T10:34:09","slug":"islam-makhachev-backs-former-foe-in-getting-a-title-shot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/338815\/","title":{"rendered":"Islam Makhachev Backs Former Foe In Getting A Title Shot"},"content":{"rendered":"

Islam Makhachev has backed his former foe, Arman Tsarukyan. The two men were set to meet at UFC 311 in January, but Tsarukyan was forced to withdraw with a back injury at extremely short notice. Following the announcement of the UFC 324 main event, <\/a>many have questioned why Tsarukyan didn\u2019t get an opportunity to fight for the interim strap<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>Despite being ranked #1<\/a> in the division, Tsarukyan wasn\u2019t in the running, whereas #4 and #5 have gotten the chance to set up a future fight with Ilia Topuria later in the year.<\/p>\n

Speaking to RedCornerMMA<\/a>, Islam Makhachev stated:
\u201cThe organization may not like it, but they make more and more fights that I don\u2019t understand. Of course, I think Arman should have gotten the title shot. Let\u2019s be honest, Arman is not going to fight anytime soon.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s Pimblett vs. Gaethje, whoever wins, he gets a shot at Topuria. Meaning one more year of layoff for Arman. It\u2019s tough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Islam Makhachev has a point. Where does Tsarukyan go from here? The champion has made it clear that he\u2019s out of action for at least the first quarter of 2026 and when he returns, he\u2019ll likely face the winner of the UFC 324 main event.<\/p>\n

Charles Oliveira (#2) and Max Holloway (#3) are now booked for UFC 326 with the BMF title on the line, ruling them out. Dan Hooker has just been dominated by Tsarukyan and is also matched with #8 Benoit Saint Denis.<\/p>\n

11 years in the making pic.twitter.com\/mvyxZau745<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Frazer Krohn (@frazerkrohnMMA) December 6, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0Even if Tsarukyan wanted to risk fighting far down the rankings, #9 Rafael Fiziev is now booked with #14 Mauricio Ruffy. Tsarukyan is the forgotten man at 155lbs.<\/p>\n

The welterweight champion went on to say:
\u201cArman should probably wait a bit and be patient\u201d<\/p>\n

So\u2026 What is Next?<\/p>\n

Tsarukyan\u2019s best scenario is either Pimblett or Gaethje get a quick finish and can turn around quickly to face Topuria. Either this, or Holloway beats Oliveria and wants to fight for the BMF title at the White House against Tsarukyan. An Oliveira win does very little for Tsarukyan as he\u2019s already beaten him at UFC 300.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>UFC Fight Night in Doha : Dan Hooker v Arman Tsarukyan Arman Tsarukyan of Georgia prepares to face Dan Hooker of New Zealand in a lightweight bout fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar. on November 22, 2025. DOHA Qatar Copyright: xNOUSHADxTHEKKAYILx<\/p>\n

A difficult position to be in for the Armenian\u2026 or could he go up in weight to face Islam Makhachev?<\/p>\n