Islam Makhachev still does not have a suitor for his championship, and not for lack of willing candidates. The obvious choice – Arman Tsarukyan – continues to be on the blacklist for the UFC brass after his pullout at the eleventh hour at UFC 311. But his name leads the discussions in the lightweight title picture. With UFC 314 approaching, the division’s title picture is unknown. However, Team Makhachev has now issued a reality check, which may officially end Tsarukyan’s championship hopes—at least for the time being.
Speaking about Makhachev’s next step on the Javier & Mo Show, coach Javier Mendez stated that the champion is willing to accept whatever the UFC offers, but there is no certainty that Arman Tsarukyan would be his opponent. “I mean, let’s see what happens. We can’t do anything but wait for the UFC to make an offer, and then Islam’s going to say yes. Whatever offer they’re going to offer, he’s going to accept, and then we move on from there. I do know he wants to fight soon, within the next three to four months” he said. The message was clear: Islam Makhachev isn’t waiting for ‘Ahalkalakets,’ and if the UFC decides to go in a different way, the champion will not hesitate to walk on.
The uncertainty in the lightweight division further adds to the unpredictability of Makhachev’s upcoming fight. “Things change all the time in this game. Sometimes you’re going into a situation thinking you’re fighting for the lightweight title, and all of a sudden, it’s not available,” Coach Mendez said, trying to explain how the entire scene takes place for them. He also proposed a wild scenario in which injuries could change the division’s course. “Let’s say Belal Muhammad gets hurt, you know. Then Belal basically doesn’t want to go back to 170, you know. So maybe Islam gets in.”
While it may appear unreal, this statement implies that Makhachev may be thrown into a welterweight title fight instead if the situation calls for it, proving that Tsarukyan’s title prospects are far from guaranteed. With UFC 314 approaching and several contenders competing for a crack at Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan‘s future remains uncertain. Despite being the number one contender, his injuries at UFC 311 and Dana White’s reaction to the situation have drastically hurt his chances. But while Dana White is unsure of Arman Tsarukyan as the next fight for Khabib 2.0, another fighter believes otherwise.
UFC fighter makes surprising pick for Islam Makhachev’s next opponent
One thing is certain: Islam Makhachev is moving forward, and the UFC will decide if ‘Ahalkalakets’ will be a part of his next chapter. But for now, it seems like Paddy Pimblett has thrown his support behind the Armenian challenger. Pimblett told ESPN MMA that he was shocked by Tsarukyan’s withdrawal from UFC 311, but he also questioned White’s firm stance against giving him a title opportunity.
‘The Baddy’ said, “I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was crazy. What’s going on here?” Pimblett “And I don’t want to bad-mouth him, but the way Dana spoke about it, it sounded like it was his decision to pull out. The doctor didn’t say, ‘You can’t fight.’” Despite Tsarukyan’s wasted opportunity, Pimblett believes he remains the rightful top contender. “Arman still deserves the next title shot. Islam’s already beat Charles, beat Poirier…hasn’t fought Gaethje, but Holloway knocked Gaethje out. So I think the only person right for him to fight is Arman.”
‘The Baddy’ also opposed the idea of Topuria hopping the line, suggesting that the former featherweight champion should first face Charles Oliveira before pursuing a title shot at 155 pounds. While Pimblett agrees with many fans who believe Tsarukyan deserves the fight, his point of view may not be taken seriously in the UFC’s matchmaking process.
If Pimblett can get past the #7 ranked Michael Chandler at UFC 314, he too will enter the lightweight title picture. In the top 7, Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje are the only fresh matchups for the champ. If Paddy wins, and he gets Chandler’s #7 spot, then he can make some noise too.
With Makhachev’s team open to any offer and the head honcho leaning toward other options, the Armenian may still need to prove himself before receiving a title opportunity. What do you think? Will Dana White change his mind? Let us know in the comments.
The post Team Khabib Puts an End to Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan 2 With Grim Reality Check appeared first on EssentiallySports.
