UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will have to face Arman Tsarukyan next year after suffering a ligament injury.
The lightweight’s coach, Javier Mendez, revealed that the fighter is still recovering from the injury and has been out training. Many expected that the fighter would be ready for his PPV event in November, but it seems the fighter may not appear in the octagon this year.
“He’s not training from what I know so I don’t foresee December happening. It could happen, but I don’t see it; January seems more likely, January [or] February [2025], but I don’t see December only because I know his hands still not healthy.”
No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan was eager to face the champ, but it seems he will have to wait until next year for his shot at UFC gold. The Armenian has fought and lost to Makhachev, but he seems eager and ready for a rematch.
“I knew that [the fight would happen next year]. I was informed that this fight would not happen this year [and that] it will take place early next year.” Tsarukyan told Red Corner MMA.
“Yes, it’s from the UFC, but this is the nature of the sport,” he continued. “Everything can change in a moment and that’s why I am keeping myself in shape, I am in camp now. I don’t care when this fight happens — even if it does in a year. I will keep working and moving towards this fight… It’s not about fighting Islam for me; it’s about becoming the champion.”
Tsarukyan, 27, has remained adamant that his next fight will be for an interim or undisputed title. If an interim title does get made, Tsarukyan sees obvious choices to be matched with. That doesn’t mean he believes any are worthy of the opportunity.
“Any of the top five could fight for the interim title,” Tsasukyan said. “[Dan] Hooker, [Michael] Chandler, [Charles] Oliveira, [Justin] Gaethje or [Dustin] Poirier, all of them can fight for an interim title — although they don’t deserve it.
“Four of them are coming from a loss,” he continued. “Only Hooker had a win, and Chandler I think, although Chandler’s had his last victory over Tony Ferguson.”
The 27-year-old does not care when the fight will take place, but he is eager for a chance to shine in the octagon.
“I don’t care when this fight happens – even if it does in a year. I will keep working and moving towards this fight… It’s not about fighting Islam for me; it’s about becoming the champion.”
