“That is the most toughest fight,” Islam Makhachev should NOT fight Arman Tsarukyan, says teammate Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier states his argument for why Arman Tsarukyan is not an ideal fight for Islam Makhachev for now.

“That is the most toughest fight,” Islam Makhachev should NOT fight Arman Tsarukyan, says teammate Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier says Islam Makhachev should avoid Arman Tsarukyan (Image via Imago/X )

Daniel Cormier has been a long-time comrade of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, and the crew of Dagestani fighters. With Islam Makhachev returning to the octagon and wanting to be active, Cormier has a plan for the lightweight champion. People are curious as to who will Makhachev fight this year. But Cormier has his argument for who Makhachev should avoid and he expressed it in his latest podcast episode with Chael Sonnen.

Daniel Cormier believes Islam Makhachev should avoid a fight with Arman Tsarukyan for now. In a recent episode of Good Guy/Bad Guy, Cormier explained why Makhachev should focus on the big names. 

I believe the Tsarukyan fight is the toughest fight. I don’t know that it’s the most lucrative fight for Makhachev. Producer says, ‘Who should you want if you’re Islam Makhachev?’ Who you don’t want, honestly, is Arman Tsarukyan. Not because you’re afraid of him, but you don’t really want it because it doesn’t seem to make sense.
Daniel Cormier via Good Guy/Bad Guy
YouTube video

Cormier explained what he would do if he was in Islam Makhachev’s position. Cormier suggests that Makhachev should insist on getting a matchup with Dustin Poirier in July. Then he should insist on fighting Justin Gaethje in October in Abu Dhabi, only if Gaethje wins at UFC 300.

FS Video

If Gaethje loses to Max Holloway at UFC 300, Cormier said that Makhachev should take him up instead. The lightweight champion has two title defenses under his belt, but only against Alexander Volkanovski, the former featherweight champion who moved up a weight class. For now, Tsarukyan just does not have the credibility to prove to be a lucrative matchup for the lightweight champion.

Is the UFC preventing Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier matchup?

The Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier matchup created a lot of buzz on social media. Poirier accepted the fight offer from Makhachev’s manager to fight in July and both fighters even went back and forth on social media. However, Poirier’s latest statement has forced fans to raise doubts regarding the possible matchup.

Dustin Poirier's potential fight with Islam Makhachev
Dustin Poirier’s potential fight with Islam Makhachev (via Imago)

‘Diamond’ recently sat down with Theo Von where he revealed that there has been no official offer from the UFC till now. Poirier said he does not know what is next but hopes to hear some big news soon.

The Louisiana native ranks #3 in the UFC’s lightweight division. But Gaethje and Charles Oliveira rank above him and are already fighting this month at UFC 300. Meanwhile, Poirier’s most recent matchup was against Benoît Saint Denis who ranks #11 in the division. Therefore, it will be interesting to see what happens next in the lightweight division and who the UFC sets Islam Makhachev up with next to defend his lightweight belt.

In case you missed it!