Ever since Ilia Topuria vacated his featherweight title to chase greatness in the lightweight division, the landscape at 155 pounds has been left in a state of uncertainty. With “La Leyenda” now eyeing lightweight gold, the tension has only grown, particularly as both Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov appear hesitant to acknowledge his rise. That silence hasn’t gone unnoticed, sparking a wave of fan reaction, especially after Topuria boldly accused Makhachev of avoiding a showdown.
Topuria has been very vocal about what he would exactly do with the Dagestani champion if they ever meet inside the Octagon. The 28-year-old is known for his confidence, and this time there is no difference as well. During one of his interviews, ‘La Leyenda’ said, “I’m the one to take the belt from Islam. That’s the only reason he doesn’t want the fight.”
While many experts and fans might not be impressed with the statement, the #1 contender, Arman Tsarukyan, is. For those who missed it, Tsarukyan made his return to competition at Karate Combat 54 on Friday night, where he scored a victory over Makasharip Zaynukov in a submission grappling bout. Wasting no time, Tsarukyan used the spotlight to call out Islam Makhachev, making his intentions for a rematch crystal clear.
However, he also took the opportunity to pick his favorite between a possible clash between Makhachev and Topuria. Red Corner MMA took to their Instagram account to share the interview that he gave to Sports 24. During the video, the 28-year-old said, “I think Topuria is the one who might give Islam problems.”
However, he was also quick to add his name to the list and further said, “Topuria and me, nobody else in this weight class could give Islam a good fight. I don’t see anyone else.” ‘Akhalkalakets’ has been waiting for his title shot after he pulled out from his fight at UFC 311 against Islam Makhachev because of a back injury.
The 28-year-old then pointed out how surprised he has been with the way the UFC has been selecting opponents for the champion. He said, ” Gaethje is just easy money for Islam. Who else? He has already beat Oliveira once, nobody else. Oliveira lost to me, then beat a guy ranked number 10. And wants to fight for the title. Gaethje lost to Holloway, then beat Fiziev, who was number 12 or 11. Plus, he fought on a 4-day notice. It was a close fight, and now he also wants a title shot. I don’t know, it looks like a circus.”
Tsarukyan has time and again made it clear that he wants a fight with the champion next. However, it seems he was given an opponent to make a comeback, but wasn’t quite impressed with it.
Arman Tsarukyan feels he was disrespected by the UFC for giving him a low-ranked opponent
Arman Tsarukyan didn’t hold back when he declared that he’ll be the one fighting for the vacant lightweight title. Only if the current champion, Islam Makhachev, decides to make the jump to welterweight. Bold? Maybe. But far from an exaggeration. After all, anyone following the division knows exactly how this storyline has been unfolding.
The Armenian fighter needs to once again earn his way towards the title shot and needs to fight one more person before the title shot. However, it seems he was given the opportunity to do but the 28-year-old declined the fight. While speaking to Sports 24, he gave the reason and said, “They [UFC] offered me a fight in Abu Dhabi in July, main event, but I turned it down because they offered me an opponent I didn’t want to fight. He is below me in the rankings, so I didn’t see any reason to fight him.”
Well, the #1 ranked lightweight contender does have a point. There’s no point in fighting a contender who is below him in rankings, as this will only hamper his chances of fighting for the title. Although Tsarukyan didn’t mention the name of his opponent, several sources hint that it was the #7-ranked Mateusz Gamrot. Tsarukyan also pointed out that he felt very disrespected by the way he was treated and didn’t mince his words.
He said, “No, it’s the UFC who made me angry when they offered me that kind of an opponent. I would say it was disrespectful to me from their side to offer me that. And I deserve better, I am the number one contender.” Currently, the lightweight division is at a halt with the fans waiting to see who gets a shot next for the title. However, it will be interesting to see who gets a nod ahead with so many world-class fighters in the line.
Who do you think will fight for the title next? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post Fallen From UFC’s Good Graces Top Contender Considers Islam Makhachev & Ilia Topuria as Only Real Threats appeared first on EssentiallySports.