Arman Tsarukyan’s cryptic post-fight message might’ve seemed like a throwaway comment to casual fans, but hardcore followers of the sport understood its implications. This is a psychological war as much as a physical one
By calling out Makhachev’s team and refusing what he saw as a “disrespectful” matchup, Tsarukyan has drawn a line in the sand.
He believes he belongs at the top—and he’s daring the UFC, Makhachev, and everyone else to prove him wrong.
Only time will tell whether this approach earns him another shot at gold or leaves him stuck in contender limbo.
As we enter the second half of 2025, all eyes will be on the June 28th card. If Makhachev competes and wins, and Belal Muhammad defeats Maddalena, the status quo will remain. But if either man loses, the dominoes could start to fall.
A Makhachev move to welterweight would shake up both divisions, potentially crowning new champions and creating fresh rivalries.
For Arman Tsarukyan, this unpredictability might just present the golden opportunity he’s been waiting for.
Also Read: Arman Tsarukyan’s UFC 311 Sparring Footage: Is This a Game-Changer or a Controversy?
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Arman Tsarukyan Sends a Cryptic Message to Islam Makhachev After Grappling Victory
Arman Tsarukyan may be sidelined from his long-awaited UFC lightweight title shot, but he’s certainly not backing down from stirring the pot.1
On May 2, during Karate Combat 54, Tsarukyan returned to competition—this time in the world of grappling—and took the opportunity to issue a subtle but unmistakable challenge to reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
A Comeback in Grappling, Not the Octagon
Fans were surprised but intrigued when Arman Tsarukyan announced he would return to competition—not in a UFC Octagon, but on the mats of Karate Combat 54.
Tsarukyan faced off against Makkasharip Zaynukov, a decorated grappler and notably a training partner of Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Despite the absence of striking and the typical ferocity of an MMA cage bout, Tsarukyan displayed impressive grappling control, ultimately winning by decision.
More than just a competitive win, it was a symbolic triumph. Zaynukov’s ties to Makhachev and the famed Dagestani camp meant Tsarukyan’s victory carried more narrative weight than the average match.
says the guy who got the easiest path to the top in ufc just because he’s got a funny accent and budget beatles haircut. I dare you to call me out if you win and we will see who will shit his pants in the octagon when we meet clown @PaddyTheBaddy https://t.co/TKbm1hn5X2
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) April 8, 2025
A Message Wrapped in Mystery: “Let’s Do It Again”
After his win, Tsarukyan stood before the crowd and delivered a pointed message:
“I need one more guy from Khabib’s team. Let’s do it again.”
The words were simple, but fans and pundits instantly speculated about the deeper meaning. Was this a challenge directed at Islam Makhachev? Was Tsarukyan playing mind games with the dominant Dagestani camp?
The phrase “one more guy” implies a conquest, a desire to conquer the entire Dagestani team one grappler at a time. For those who closely follow UFC rivalries, it didn’t take long to connect the dots.
Tsarukyan has long been vocal about wanting a rematch with Makhachev, and this cryptic callout may be his way of reigniting the rivalry without directly naming the champion.
Tsarukyan and Makhachev: A History of Tension
Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev are not strangers. The two fought in April 2019, when Tsarukyan made his UFC debut against the then-rising contender.
Although Tsarukyan lost via unanimous decision, his performance was widely praised. He pushed Makhachev harder than most expected, showcasing an elite level of grappling and striking against a man who would go on to win the UFC title.
Since then, Tsarukyan has climbed the rankings steadily, collecting victories over names like Damir Ismagulov, Joaquim Silva, and Beneil Dariush.
Fans have long speculated that a rematch between Tsarukyan and Makhachev would look vastly different now, with both fighters having matured into top-tier competitors.
Arman Tsarukyan: The Title Shot That Wasn’t
In early 2024, Tsarukyan appeared to be on the verge of getting his wish.2
He was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight championship—a moment that could’ve rewritten the history between the two fighters.
Unfortunately, Tsarukyan pulled out of the bout for undisclosed reasons, disappointing fans and derailing what was shaping up to be a high-stakes rematch.
No new title fight was booked in its place, and speculation began swirling. Was Tsarukyan truly injured or dealing with other undisclosed issues? Or was there another motive for withdrawing?
Whatever the reason, the missed opportunity has only deepened the tension between the two fighters.
Dana White’s Stance: One More Hurdle
Following Tsarukyan’s withdrawal, UFC president Dana White didn’t mince words. He made it clear that if Tsarukyan wanted to reinsert himself into the title picture, he would need to prove himself again—this time against another elite lightweight contender.
Enter Mateusz Gamrot.
The UFC reportedly offered Tsarukyan a bout against Gamrot, currently ranked No. 7 in the division. But to the surprise of many, Tsarukyan turned down the fight, calling it “disrespectful.” He saw the offer as a step backward, especially after being so close to a title shot.
While Tsarukyan’s rejection may appear arrogant to some, others interpret it as a calculated move—one designed to pressure the UFC into offering a more high-profile fight or perhaps even reinstating his title opportunity.
Strategy or Stubbornness?
Tsarukyan’s recent actions—his cryptic challenge after the grappling match and his refusal to fight Gamrot—raise an important question: is he being strategic or stubborn?
On one hand, his decision to call out a member of Khabib’s team in a public setting, immediately after a win, is smart marketing.
It keeps his name relevant and fuels speculation and headlines. The MMA world thrives on rivalries, and Tsarukyan is keeping the fire alive without ever throwing a punch.
On the other hand, declining fights can be a dangerous game in the UFC. Fighters who are seen as difficult or unwilling to accept matchups often find themselves stalled in the rankings.
Dana White’s past comments suggest Tsarukyan may need to tread carefully if he wants to stay on the promotion’s good side.
Grappling as a Tactical Play
Competing in Karate Combat—a striking-focused organization that recently introduced grappling events—was an unconventional move for Tsarukyan. However, it may have been more than just a chance to stay active.
By defeating someone closely associated with the Makhachev-Nurmagomedov camp, Tsarukyan subtly reinforced the idea that he belongs in the upper echelon of MMA grapplers.
It was both a physical statement and a psychological one. He didn’t need to say Makhachev’s name outright—he simply beat someone from his circle and let the implications speak for themselves.
Arman Tsarukyan: Fans Reaction
Intrigue and Frustration
The MMA community has reacted with mixed emotions to Tsarukyan’s recent decisions.3
Some fans admire his confidence and believe he has the skill set to dethrone Makhachev. Others are frustrated, seeing his actions as counterproductive to his own career progress.
Social media has been abuzz with debates. Is Tsarukyan ducking tough fights? Or is he strategically building anticipation for a bigger showdown?
Regardless of interpretation, one thing is clear: Tsarukyan remains a compelling figure in the UFC lightweight landscape.
What’s Next for Tsarukyan?
At this point, Tsarukyan’s immediate future is uncertain. If he continues to reject fights like the proposed bout against Gamrot, he risks losing his ranking and UFC leverage.
But if he accepts a top-five opponent and wins convincingly, the path to a title shot could open once again.
Potential matchups with contenders like Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, or even a rematch with Beneil Dariush could serve as proving grounds. Each carries risk—but also the reward of legitimacy and momentum.
Alternatively, the UFC might decide to rebook the title bout with Makhachev if circumstances change and no other challenger steps up.
The Lightweight Division Remains a Chessboard
The UFC lightweight division is one of the most stacked in the sport. Makhachev, as champion, continues to dominate, but the hunger from contenders like Tsarukyan, Gaethje, and Oliveira ensures the belt will never be safe for long.
In this environment, every move matters. Tsarukyan’s recent decisions—inside and outside the cage—may not make immediate sense to everyone, but they’re undeniably calculated.
Whether or not those calculations pay off will depend on timing, matchmaking, and Tsarukyan’s ability to keep winning.
Also Read: Michael Chandler Criticizes Arman Tsarukyan’s Refusal To Fight Islam Makhachev At UFC 302
Arman Tsarukyan Breaks Down the Uncertain UFC Lightweight Title Picture
The UFC lightweight division is in flux as Islam Makhachev, the reigning champion and pound-for-pound king, teeters on the edge of a move to welterweight.
With his close friend and training partner Belal Muhammad holding the 170-pound title, Makhachev finds himself in a unique position.
Amid this uncertainty, top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has weighed in on the situation, offering valuable insights into the division’s future, his own title aspirations, and possible matchups.
Islam Makhachev’s Dilemma: Stay at Lightweight or Chase Welterweight Gold?
Since capturing the UFC lightweight title from Charles Oliveira in October 2022, Islam Makhachev has successfully defended the belt twice, most recently in a dominant rematch win over Oliveira.
However, the Dagestani star has shown signs of wanting new challenges, openly expressing his desire to move up to welterweight and become a two-division champion.
His plans, however, have been complicated by Belal Muhammad’s ascent to the welterweight throne. As training partners, Makhachev and Muhammad have agreed not to fight one another, which effectively stalls Makhachev’s transition to 170 pounds—at least for now.
“Now [Islam] is deciding whether he will stay at 155 or move to 170,” Tsarukyan said in a recent interview with MONK3. “The situation is unclear now.”
Arman Tsarukyan: Fan Meetup
Arman Tsarukyan teamed up with YoHealth and organized his firstever fan meetup for inspiring healthy living.
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How Belal Muhammad’s Next Fight Affects Makhachev’s Future
A pivotal moment in this saga hinges on the upcoming welterweight title fight between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. Tsarukyan explained that the outcome of this bout could directly impact Makhachev’s decision.
“If Islam fights on June 28th, then the next time he will fight is in October,” Tsarukyan noted. “[Islam] is waiting for the fight between Belal and Maddalena.
If Belal wins, then he stays at lightweight. If Belal loses, then he will most likely move [to welterweight] and fight Maddalena so that he has two belts.”
This strategic roadmap hints at Makhachev’s intention to avoid a clash with his teammate while still chasing UFC history. If the welterweight belt becomes available, Makhachev may seize the opportunity.
Arman Tsarukyan: Stalled But Not Out
Despite earning a hard-fought win over former champion Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan’s momentum has been stalled due to injury.
The 28-year-old Armenian fighter was considered next in line for a title shot, but he acknowledges that the timing didn’t work in his favor.
“Right now I am not in the title race, because I got injured,” Tsarukyan admitted. “My turn has passed, but if there is [a fight] for the vacant title—I will fight for the vacant title.”
While his direct path to the belt may have been delayed, Tsarukyan remains confident that he’s just one big win away from another title opportunity—especially if Makhachev vacates the lightweight strap.
Potential Matchups: Topuria, Oliveira, or Hooker?
- In the unpredictable lightweight landscape, several names have surfaced as possible next opponents for Tsarukyan and Makhachev.
- Tsarukyan believes if Makhachev stays at 155, his next defense could come against featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who has expressed interest in moving up for a super-fight.
- “Most likely, it will be Topuria,” Tsarukyan said of Makhachev’s potential next challenger.
- As for his own future, Tsarukyan has a couple of names in mind: a rematch with Charles Oliveira, whom he narrowly defeated, or a fresh matchup with the always-dangerous Dan Hooker.
- Both fights make sense for Tsarukyan—Oliveira for the closure and Hooker for the rankings relevance. However, he’s not sold on another offer that’s come his way.
- “They offered me Gamrot again, but that fight won’t give me a title shot,” he said.
- Given that Tsarukyan already fought Mateusz Gamrot in a razor-close bout in 2022—a fight many considered a Fight of the Year candidate—a rematch would be entertaining, but perhaps not strategically wise if the goal is securing a title shot.
Also Read: Arman Tsarukyan: Early Life, Career, Age, Net Worth, Salary, Endorsement, Family And More
