Arman Tsarukyan accuses Islam Makhachev of avoiding rematch: “He feels like I’m going to win”

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan believes that Islam Makhachev doesn’t want to fight him.

Back in April 2019, the Armenian stepped on short notice to face the rising Islam Makhachev. Despite being very young in his career, Arman Tsarukyan impressed many with his success against the future champion. Still, it was the Russian who claimed a unanimous decision victory after three rounds of action.

Nearly five years later, the two lightweights are near the top of 155 pounds. While Islam Makhachev currently holds the gold, Arman Tsarukyan has grown by leaps and bounds since his debut back in 2019. As of now, the lightweight is riding a three-fight winning streak. He last knocked out Beneil Dariush at UFC Austin last December, in the biggest victory of his career.

However, Arman Tsarukyan is now set for a massive test at UFC 300 next month. There, the rising lightweight will face former champion, Charles Oliveira. Much like Tsarukyan, ‘Do Bronx’ is coming off a knockout victory over Beneil Dariush, defeating him last summer. On the line next month, is a potential crack at lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

Speaking in a recent interview with Morning Kombat’s Brian Campbell, Arman Tsarukyan discussed his return. There, he opened up on a potential rematch with Islam Makhachev and opined that the champion is largely avoiding him. In his eyes, that’s the reason why the 155-pound titleholder is now targeting a fight with Dustin Poirier.

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Arman Tsarukyan discusses rematch with UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev

“I feel like Islam wants to avoid us.” Arman Tsarukyan stated in the recent interview with Morning Kombat when asked about a rematch with the UFC lightweight champion. “He feels like I’m going to win, and for him it’s better to fight Poirier than me because I am more dangerous for him. I know wrestling and I mean, maybe he can make more money with Dustin. Probably because of that he’s interested.”

He continued, “Anyway for me, it doesn’t matter. I just focus on Charles Oliveria. After that fight, we’re going to talk [about the rematch].”

In case you missed it, talk of a fight between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier just sprang up this week. ‘The Diamond’ just returned to the cage at UFC 299 earlier this month, scoring a knockout win over Benoit Saint-Denis. Post-fight, Poirier called out the champion, and the Russian approved the matchup for June.

Still, there are contenders galore at 155 pounds. UFC 300 not only features Arman Tsarukyan vs. Charles Oliveira, it also features another lightweight bout between Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway. ‘The Highlight’ has been deadset on facing Islam Makhachev with a potential win over the Hawaiian.

What do you make of these comments from the UFC lightweight contender? Do you have any interest in Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan?