Arman Tsarukyan dropped out of the title fight in UFC 311 due to injury. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Long-time rival of Islam makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan decided to put the tension aside and surprised everyone by coming to the defense of his first UFC tormentor. When asked about the Russian's change in category, the fighter stated that the decision was not taken due to the arrival of Ilia Topuria to the lightweight (up to 70,3kg) as many fans are accusing.
“(Topuria has great boxing) for sure, but (Jack Della) Maddalena also has good boxing. So, it doesn’t matter if it’s Topuria or Maddalena, but I still like Maddalena more. Topuria just hits harder and takes more punches, but technically Maddalena is better, if we talk about the striking department. I don’t agree (that Makhachev is running away), it’s going to be a tough fight too, Maddalena will be tougher than Topuria for Makhachev,” said Arman in a press conference after the grappling event.
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When talking about favoritism for the fight between Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena, Tsarukyan did not hesitate to guess about the potential winner.
“I see Islam as the favorite (against Jack Della Maddalena). Because of his control in wrestling and chokes. Islam, I think he has a much better wrestling game and can easily take him down,” he concluded.
I. Makhachev (left) defeated A. Tsarukyan (right) in 2019 at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
With no date yet announced, Makhachev is expected to fight for the welterweight belt (up to 77,1kg) against Jack next. In his last appearance, the Australian broke the bank by defeating Belal Muhammad | and become the new champion of the category.
Read More about: Arman Tsarukyan, Islam makhachev, MMA, UFC, Ultimate
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