Arman Tsarukyan Surprisingly Picks Rival Islam Makhachev as Back Up for American Street Fight

UFC #2 lightweight and Armenian superstar Arman Tsarukyan makes his picks for a hypothetical street fight in an American setting.

Arman Tsarukyan Surprisingly Picks Rival Islam Makhachev as Back Up for American Street Fight

Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev (via Bloody Elbow)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

In combat sports, hypothetical scenarios often add a layer of entertainment that goes beyond the competition itself. Fighters are frequently asked unusual questions, and their answers tend to reveal both their sense of humor and how they view strength and loyalty. For Arman Tsarukyan, this occurred during a media appearance where he was asked a lighthearted but challenging question.

The Armenian contender has made his mark in the UFC’s lightweight division as one of the top rising stars, known for his relentless pace and ability to compete with the best. Having fought elite names such as Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush in his career and steadily climbing the ranks, Tsarukyan has built a reputation as both a dangerous fighter and someone confident in his choices.

‘Ahalkalakets’ was recently seen answering questions at a press conference ahead of his upcoming BJJ fight at ACBJJ 18. When the crowd asked him for his choices in a four-on-ten “American Ghetto-style” street fight, the Armenian had some pretty strong picks.

I’d definitely take Khamzat first. Second, I’d take Khabib. And third, Islam.

Arman Tsarukyan via ACBJJ 18 press conference

The comments from Tsarukyan seemed surprising as he had lost to Islam Makhachev in his UFC debut back in 2019. The Armenian was also set to fight Makhachev back in January 2025 at UFC 311, but had to pull out due to a back injury. However, the two have had some moments of mutual respect recently, ahead of Tsarukyan’s potential title fight against lightweight kingpin Ilia Topuria.

Arman Tsarukyan’s two other picks make perfect sense as the 28-year-old has been training with Khamzat Chimaev. ‘Ahalkalakets’ was also present in the Chechen phenom’s corner when he defeated Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 to win middleweight gold. Regarding Khabib Nurmagomedov, the Armenian has on multiple occasions praised the ‘Eagle’ and deemed him a source of inspiration.

While this was a lighthearted response to a playful question, it highlights how Tsarukyan views strength and reliability within his circle. By picking fighters who share both regional roots and championship pedigrees, he revealed not just his sense of loyalty but also his vision of what it takes to dominate in any setting.

Arman Tsarukyan is set to fight Benson Henderson at ACBJJ 18

Arman Tsarukyan, currently ranked No. 2 in the UFC lightweight division, is set to face former UFC champion Benson Henderson in a grappling superfight at the upcoming ACBJJ 18 event. The event takes place on September 19, 2025, in Moscow, Russia, at the Dynamo Volleyball Arena.

Arman Tsarukyan vs Benson Henderson at ACBJJ 18
Arman Tsarukyan vs Benson Henderson at ACBJJ 18 (via Sportaran)

Although Tsarukyan hasn’t fought in MMA since his last appearance at UFC 300 in April 2024, he has remained active in pure grappling. Some fans criticized the wrestling phenom for not facing anyone in the UFC for the last year. At the same time, he also rejected a rematch against Mateusz Gamrot this year, someone who defeated him in the UFC.

Recently, he defeated Patricky Pitbull by submission in May 2025, and earlier that month won a unanimous decision against Makkasharip Zaynukov. Henderson, now 41, has also taken part in grappling and combat‐sports style matches since stepping away from MMA in 2023.

The face-off between Tsarukyan and Henderson comes ahead of their superfight and adds to the anticipation of the grappling event, showing that both fighters are preparing under different but relevant circumstances. Tsarukyan’s recent grappling victories serve not only as preparation but also as confirmation that he’s stayed committed to the craft.

Also Read: