“Rematch is inevitable!” Islam Makhachev gives Arman Tsarukyan two more fights to win before title fight

Islam Makhachev sees UFC 300's lightweight performers needing spectacular finishes to earn a shot at his 155-pound title.

“Rematch is inevitable!” Islam Makhachev gives Arman Tsarukyan two more fights to win before title fight

Islam Makhachev talks about potential rematch with Arman Tsarukyan (Source: Instagram/IMAGO)

In recent weeks, Islam Makhachev has come under fire for his apparent inactivity as a champion. After UFC 294, Makhachev has remained on the sidelines. He aims for a return fight in June, but the UFC has yet to finalize an opponent. Arman Tsarukyan is someone who could return in June for a fight.

Islam Makhachev had dissed Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje as it left him without a challenger. Also, Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan for UFC 300 is near-impossible to have a June turnaround, as is Gaethje. Having defeated ‘Do Bronx’ and Tsarukyan, he prefers ‘The Highlight’ or even Dustin Poirier as more deserving of a title shot. However, he hasn’t ruled out Tsarukyan fully.

There are so many applicants, but one needs to be identified... and I think these are the types of fight now where Gaethje is fighting... Oliveira and Tsarukyan are fighting, I think one of this pair will be my next opponent... A maximum of two fights separates him [Tsarukyan] from the title shot, I think our rematch is inevitable [so] let’s give him [a chance of] revenge.
Islam Makhachev via the UFC Eurasia Official YouTube channel
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The January segment, A Day with Islam Makhachev: Winter Hunting also saw him going viral for his steady aim. During the fishing trip, the fighter told UFC Eurasia [h/t Bloody Elbow] that UFC 300 would provide a clear winner for the #1 contender’s spot. If any of Oliveira, Tsarukyan, or Gaethje cannot turn around for June, Dustin Poirier could find himself in the title picture.

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Interestingly enough, he thinks Tsarukyan is just a few chances away from that spot. If so, it would lead one to believe that Makhachev would snub the chance to fight Tsarukyan in June, even if the Armenian fighter can turn around quickly after UFC 300. The whole lightweight title picture has confusion written all over it. As such, the UFC would come to a decision after UFC 300 about the next challenger for the lightweight title.

With UFC 308 officially announced for Abu Dhabi, who should Islam Makhachev face?

One thing is clear right off the bat: current P4P and lightweight king Islam Makhachev wants a June return. Should that fail, he would rather fight in November at the iconic Madison Square Garden Arena. However, there remains a slim chance he might feature in the UFC 308 Abu Dhabi card in October.

Islam Makhachev weighs in amongst top picks, and on a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan
Islam Makhachev weighs in on a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan (Source: UFC.go.com)

The question arises – who should be his opponent? With this weekend’s enormous UFC 300 card approaching, Makhachev says fight fans will find out soon enough. Although he prefers Justin Gaethje, he isn’t considering him or his opponent, Max Holloway, to make a swift rebound any soon. The other lightweight scrap on the card is Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan for the top contender’s spot.

Makhachev defeated Oliveira and Tsarukyan before. With a win over Beneil Dariush, Arman now has the longest win streak amongst any contender in the UFC’s official top-5 divisional rankings. He’s thus a clearer choice between the rematches. Meanwhile, Dustin Poirier also wants a title shot.

UFC 308 takes place Oct. 26 at Etihad Arena at Yas Island and marks the 20th UFC event in Abu Dhabi. With how famous Makhachev is within those crowds, he might just feature the event. It remains to be seen who comes out as the top challenger.

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