Arman Tsarukyan discusses timeline for potential Islam Makhachev fight, names opponents for possible interim title clash next

Arman Tsarukyan recently weighed in on the possible timeline for a highly anticipated title showdown against UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. 'Ahalkalakets' secured the most significant victory of his career this past April at UFC 300, defeating former titleholder Charles Oliveira by split decision, potentially setting up a fight with Makhachev.

Following his win over Oliveira, Tsarukyan was offered a title shot against Makhachev at UFC 302 in June. However, the 27-year-old Armenian declined the short-notice opportunity. Instead, his American Top Team teammate, Dustin Poirier, stepped in but succumbed to a fifth-round submission.

Tsarukyan was initially targeted to challenge Makhachev at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi this October. However, the Dagestani champion ruled out a fall return due to a torn ligament, delaying his comeback until December. Unfortunately, hopes for a year-end showdown were further dashed when Javier Mendez revealed in a recent interview that Makhachev’s injury is more serious than expected, potentially postponing his return until early 2025.

During a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, 'Ahalkalakets' reacted to the news of Makhachev being sidelined until 2025. Tsarukyan revealed that he was already aware the 155-pound champion wouldn't be competing this year:

"I knew that. I was informed that this fight would not happen this year; it will take place early next year. I don't care when this fight happens; even if it's in a year, I'll keep working."

Tsarukyan has previously hinted that if Makhachev remains unavailable, he is open to fighting for an interim title. He also expressed his willingness to face any top-five contender to keep himself active:

"Of course, it's not about fighting Islam for me; it's about becoming the champion... Any of the top five could fight for the interim title. [Dan] Hooker, [Michael] Chandler, Oliveira, [Justin] Gaethje, or Poirier all them deserve an interim title shot."

Check out Arman Tsarukyan's comments below:

---

Has Arman Tsarukyan previously fought Islam Makhachev in the UFC?

Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev previously faced off in a short-notice bout at a UFC Fight Night event in April 2019. In what was Tsarukyan’s promotional debut, Makhachev secured a unanimous decision victory.

Since that defeat, 'Ahalkalakets' has emerged as one of the most formidable contenders in the lightweight division, amassing an impressive 9-1 record. His only other loss came in a razor-thin split decision against Mateusz Gamrot.