Tsarukyan identifies the only fighter capable of beating him in the UFC lightweight division: 'He's very calm'

Arman Tsarukyan is a standout in the UFC lightweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Arman Tsarukyan believes that, in the current UFC lightweight scene, there are no longer any opponents capable of neutralizing his grappling game in the division. The Armenian, who has already faced and been defeated by Islam Makhachev in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, points out that the Dagestani fighter's move to the welterweight division (up to 77kg) has completely altered the landscape of the 70,3kg category.

In an appearance on a video published on Demetrious Johnson 's channel , Tsarukyan stated that, at the moment, he doesn't see any fighter in the lightweight division who forces him to worry about grappling. According to him, Makhachev was the only exception, but his move up a weight class ended that threat, also highlighting the former champion's efficiency in managing energy inside the octagon.

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“Right now, weighing 70kg, nobody. I don’t have to worry. It was Islam, but he climbed. He doesn’t waste energy and is very calm,” said Arman Tsarukyan.

Arman Tsarukyan forgotten by UFC

Arman Tsarukyan is ranked first in the lightweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

PUBLICITY:

Despite holding the number one ranking in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg), Arman Tsarukyan has yet to have the opportunity to fight for the UFC belt. When he was finally scheduled to fight for the title at UFC 311 , the Armenian ended up injuring his back the day before the fight and had to be removed from the card, being replaced by Renato Moicano.

As if that weren't enough, Tsarukyan was subsequently placed only as a reserve in the fight between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria , valid for the vacant belt at UFC 317. Then, in the interim lightweight title fight at UFC 324, the athlete wasn't even considered by the organization, which opted instead for Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje.

After watching the American defeat the Briton and win the interim belt, it seems that Arman Tsarukyan will once again watch a lightweight title fight without his name involved, since Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria are lined up for a title unification bout.

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