UFC 311’s Arman Tsarukyan names plans beyond title redemption: “It’s gonna be money fights”
UFC 311: Challenger Arman Tsarukyan reveals future plans ahead of UFC 155-pound champion Islam Makhachev clash.
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Arman Tsarukyan discloses future plans ahead of UFC 311 (Source: IMAGO)
Brass is back in Southern California for UFC 311 PPV for its first pay-per-view offering of this calendar year. In the main feature, Arman Tsarukyan headlines against UFC 155-pound champion Islam Makhachev. This is a rematch from their 2019 fight night, where Tsarukyan made his short-notice debut after Road FC 43 and the Gods Of War World MMA Championship. Now, the top contender is willing to look beyond the horizon.
Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) has won nine out of 10 bouts since his 2019 loss. His current four-fight streak includes Damir Ismagulov, Joaquim Silva, Beneil Dariush, and even submissions specialist Charles Oliveira. He swiped out “Do Bronx” last April to become the No. 1 seed for lightweight gold. Now, he reels in ‘what’s after title gold’? Champ’s champ status? Retirement maybe? Or will it be big prize fights?
When I win the title, …the sport things is done. It’s gonna start [to be] just business…I’m gonna pick, uh, …with who UFC pays me more. I’m gonna fight and doesn’t matter who it’s gonna be…No – right now it’s legacy. After this fight, when I’m the champion, I’m just gonna think about money. Not about two-times champion, or like defend ten times…I’m just gonna think about like money fights.
Arman Tsarukyan via the “Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru Usman & Henry Cejudo” Podcast
That would be a clear slight on lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Hydrating around 192 lbs of natural hydration, the Dagestani wants to go up to welterweight for a second belt. Makhachev has also made a historic three consecutive defenses on a 14-fight streak. But for Team ATT’s “Ahalkalakets”, money talks.
👀💸 Arman Tsarukyan said that after he wins the belt, he’ll fight ONLY for money:
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 13, 2025
“After I win the title, the sport thing is done. It’s gonna be just business… After this fight, when I’m the champion, I’m gonna only think about money fights.”
🎥 @pound4poundshow ▫️ pic.twitter.com/ve7FVBzj0e
The Armenian managed to escape Makhachev clean and gave him quite the work the first time. The second time, he is buffing up for a more dominant performance. That, and a worthwhile fighter compensation to last ages (AKA the Jon Jones champ mentality on un-unification) is what Tsarukyan is after. Subsequently, he has put in quite the work for it, and it shows.
Title challenger Arman Tsarukyan reacts to the UFC 311 physique that has gone viral in camp
Arman Tsarukyan has put in the line of work like never before for his first shot at gold in Saturday’s UFC 311 PPV headliner. He has a stiff test in Islam Makhachev, a clear bettor’s fave. “Ahalkalakets” has been training for it as such; as a result, his bloated physique went viral right before entering fight week.
The fight was originally to take place in Abu Dhabi in October. But Makhachev needed extra time to recover from a hand injury. Tsarukyan, on the other hand, has spent all this time methodically training with American Top Team in Florida and elsewhere. Something that he credits for his tune-up.
I’ve been training since May after the Charles Oliveira fight and I heard I’m going to fight for the title, …When you fight for the title, you’re so motivated and you want to do all things right. I always train hard and now I’m just ready to rock and roll.
Arman Tsarukyan to MMAJunkie’s Mike Bohn
Photos of his physique posted on social media have gone viral and are among the most viewed content he’s ever shared. The fighter says it’s all a product of knowing what this moment means. Tsarukyan is No. 2 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/Sportsnet global lightweight rankings and a rightful contender for gold. When he meets No. 1-ranked Islam Makhachev for the belt at UFC 311, he’d be putting all his newfound power and buff to good use.
Related: Ex-US soldier picks former opponent Arman Tsarukyan to upset dominant champion Islam Makhachev
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