Islam Makhachev not interested in another ‘chance’ and Arman Tsarukyan trilogy after UFC 311: “I need some new target”
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev doesn't want to fight Arman Tsarukyan for the third time after UFC 311.
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Islam Makhachev dismisses Arman Tsarukyan trilogy fight (via Imago)
Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC lightweight title this Saturday against top challenger Arman Tsarukyan. This is going to be the second time the pair will fight each other inside the UFC octagon. Going into UFC 311, the Dagestani star plans to end this rivalry once and for all.
Islam Makhachev doesn’t like to fight the same opponent twice. The fighter has repeatedly talked about his intentions to take on new challenges. In a recent interview, the champion shared his opinion on potentially fighting Tsarukyan for the third time.
Third fight, I hope no. It doesn’t make sense, three fights with the same guy. I think new generation will come. We’ll have most dangerous division. The old guys – I believe this is one of the hardest weight classes not just in the UFC, but all of the sport. I need some new target.
Islam Makhachev via UFC 311 Media day
Makhachev’s motivation to move up and become a double champion is known to the whole MMA community. The plan was initially halted after Belal Muhammad became the UFC welterweight champion. Due to their brotherly relationship, Muhammad has announced that he will never go against Team Khabib.
On the other hand, Makhachev has recently changed his position and shared that he might be ready to fight Muhammad. On top of this, it is expected that the pound-for-pound king might have to go against former rival Charles Oliveira in a title rematch next. However, before that, he has to take care of Tsarukyan this weekend.
Islam Makhachev talks about fighting Arman Tsarukyan after five years
Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev initially fought each other back in 2019, which was the Armenian’s debut. It was a short-notice fight, but Tsarukyan was able to put up a competitive performance against the Dagestani. The fight ended with Makhachev taking the win via unanimous decision, but things have changed since then.
Tsarukyan believes that he has developed a lot in the last few years and has the capability to beat Makhachev. On the other hand, the champion has claimed that he isn’t the same either and has become a better fighter. In a recent interview, Makhachev talked about it in detail.
Off course I improve also. I have lot of tough fights. My last fight give me big experience. I’m also not the same fighter, I’m grow up.
Islam Makhachev via mainevent
Islam Makhachev doesn’t think Tsarukyan has anything that he hasn’t seen inside the octagon. However, the challenger is ready to prove this wrong with his secret weapon at UFC 311. It will be interesting to see how this goes as both fighters are in their respective prime.
Related: Islam Makhachev Net Worth, Endorsements, UFC contract, Wife and House
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