Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier was announced only after Arman Tsarukyan rejected title fight offer

After the historic UFC 300, Dana White made some interesting announcements regarding the upcoming events. One of them was the lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. According to the latest reports, Arman Tsarukyan passed on the opportunity before the UFC decided on Poirier.

Arman Tsarukyan put on an incredible performance at UFC 300 and won the fight against Charles Oliveira via split decision. Right after the fight, he was approached by the UFC to fight Makhachev on June 2. Tsarukyan’s manager, Sayat Abdurakhmanov, recently mentioned that Tsarukyan refused the offer because the time given was very little for a proper training camp.

Before the fight, there was an understanding that there was no point in going into a title fight with Islam on short notice. Especially if the position of No.1 contender had already been achieved and there was an understanding that now Islam and Poirier would fight on June 1st and then Arman would fight the winner.

Sayat Abdurakhmanov via MMA journalist Vadim Tikhomirov

The last time someone fought Islam Makhachev on short notice, it didn’t go well for them. Alexander Volkanovski faced a devastating knockout loss against the Dagestani fighter on two-week notice. Hence, Tsarukyan and his team did not want to go unprepared against the champion. This is a very calculated decision, considering Justin Gaethje lost the BMF title bout at UFC 300. Now, Gaethje is no longer on a winning streak. As a result, Tsarukyan will likely get the chance after Poirier later this year.

During his latest visit to Theo Von’s podcast, Dustin Poirier looked hesitant to announce Makhachev on record. It seemed like the UFC’s lack of clarity regarding the lightweight title fight might be the reason behind it. Now that the announcements are official, the ‘Diamond’ is all set for this third title shot.

Arman Tsarukyan claims giving Islam Makhachev his toughest challenge

Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev fought back in 2019, and the Dagestani won the fight by unanimous decision. It was Tsarukyan’s first UFC bout, and he took it on a 2-week short notice. However, the fighter surprised everyone and gave Makhachev a tough time with his wrestling.

After his recent win against Charles Oliveira, Tsarukyan has his eyes set on the champion and is sure to take the revenge. Further, the young fighter made a surprising remark about his performance against Makhachev.

It was five years ago. My fight short notice with Islam Makhachev. I have him the toughest fight and I believe myself I'm gonna win next fight.

Arman Tsarukyan via UFC post-fight interview

Tsarukyan did give Makhachev a difficult battle. However, Volkanovski arguably won against the Dagestani fighter in their first bout at UFC 284. Many including Joe Rogan, felt so. Hence, the question of who gave the toughest challenge to Makhachev is a debatable one. Nevertheless, Tsarukyan has collected wins over top lightweight fighters. Fans are already intrigued to see the rematch between the old rivals, with the UFC gold on the line.

In case you missed it!

• “Holy f*king sht!” HILARIOUS video shows Dricus Du Plessis finding out UFC 300 BMF fight was a five-round fight
• “There were more people in my green room than the fight!” Dana White berates PFL for ‘buy 2 get 2 free’ memos to sell tickets

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