Arman Tsarukyan Highlights Two Names That Could Complicate Things for Islam Makhachev in the UFC

Tsarukyan promotes RAF event. Photo: Press Release/X/RAF

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Arman Tsarukyan , right after his old rival Islam Makhachev 's victory over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 , last Saturday (15), in Philadelphia, 'Batman' analyzed the possible challenges for the welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg). The Armenian, who already faced the Russian in 2019, pointed out two names that could make the path of the category difficult for the 'King'.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani's YouTube channel last Monday (17), Tsarukyan mentioned two fighters who could complicate Makhachev's reign, but stressed that one of them is no longer at the peak of his career and, therefore, he does not consider him such a strong threat at present. The other, in turn, is still going through a prominent moment and could represent a challenge for the champion in his view.

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“Morales might be a problem. But still, at this moment, who can defeat Islam? Maybe only Kamaru Usman at his peak, but he’s gone now,” said Arman Tsarukyan.

The statement comes after Makhachev extended his dominance in the UFC. With his victory over Ian Machado Garry , the Russian reached 17 consecutive wins in the organization and set a new record, surpassing Anderson Silva 's mark of 16 wins.

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Tsarukyan knows the champion's style well. The two faced each other in April 2019, in the Armenian's debut in the organization, when Islam Makhachev won by unanimous decision. Since then, the fighter has established himself as one of the main names in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) and even had a rematch for the belt scheduled against the Russian, but withdrew from the fight due to injury in January 2025.

History of Arman Tsarukyan

Tsarukyan at a UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/armantsarukyan

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At 29 years old, Tsarukyan is considered one of the top names in the UFC lightweight division. A professional since 2015, the Armenian has a record of 23 wins and three losses, with nine wins by knockout and six by submission . Among his career highlights are victories over names like Beneil Dariush , Dan Hooker , and Charles Oliveira.