Islam Makhachev isn’t one to stay quiet when something feels off, and this time, he’s speaking up for Arman Tsarukyan. The former lightweight champion knows exactly how dangerous Tsarukyan is and he believes the Armenian contender earned his shot at UFC gold.
The UFC’s 2026 calendar opens with fireworks as UFC 242 drops on January 24, headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title. Kayla Harrison also defends her bantamweight belt against Amanda Nunes. However, let’s be honest, it’s Gaethje vs. Pimblett that has fans raising eyebrows, especially with undisputed champion Ilia Topuria taking time off until April and Tsarukyan being pushed out of the conversation entirely.
Tsarukyan was originally set to face Makhachev at UFC 311, but a last-minute back injury pulled him from the card. Since then, UFC CEO Dana White insists Arman needs to “earn his spot again.” And even after Tsarukyan dominated Dan Hooker with a slick submission in November, a title shot still isn’t anywhere near his reach.
Makhachev doesn’t agree.
“The organization may not like it, but they make more and more fights that I don’t understand,” Makhachev said in an interview with Red Corner MMA. “Of course, I think Arman should have gotten the title shot. Let’s be honest, Arman is not going to fight anytime soon.
“It’s Pimblett vs. Gaethje, whoever wins, he gets a shot at Topuria. Meaning one more year of layoff for Arman. It’s tough.”
Right now, Makhachev isn’t focused on the lightweight throne he once held. After four successful title defenses, he moved up to welterweight and dethroned Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. He still remembers his grinding path to the belt, a long 10-fight win streak, and sees a bit of that journey mirrored in Tsarukyan.
“Although I’ve had the same period in my career, I had 10 fights before getting the title shot, I mean a 10-fight winning streak, so Arman should probably wait a bit and be patient,” Makhachev said.
UFC 323 made things even clearer: Dana White doubled down that Tsarukyan must “work his way back” after pulling out of UFC 311. But Makhachev, who was Tsarukyan’s original opponent that night, doesn’t feel that’s fair especially after Arman’s recent win.
“The organization may not like it, but they make more and more fights that I don’t understand,” Makhachev repeated. “Of course, I think Arman should have gotten the title shot. Let’s be honest: Arman is not going to fight anytime soon.”
For now, the lightweight division moves on without Tsarukyan. But Makhachev’s support puts one thing on the table: not every fighter agrees with the UFC’s matchmaking, and Tsarukyan’s name isn’t going away anytime soon.
