Prominent UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan has expressed a strong desire to secure a knockout win against Islam Makhachev should they meet again in the octagon.
Their initial encounter took place in 2019 during Tsarukyan’s UFC debut, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Makhachev after a three-round battle. A highly anticipated rematch for the lightweight title was scheduled for UFC 311 last year, but Tsarukyan, also known as “Ahalkalakets,” was forced to pull out at the last minute due to a hernia. Renato Moicano stepped in as a late replacement but was quickly submitted by Makhachev in the first round.
Following four successful defenses of his lightweight championship, Makhachev relinquished the title to move up a division. He then claimed the welterweight belt at UFC 322, defeating Jack Della Maddalena.
Meanwhile, Tsarukyan competed against Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar later the same year, securing a submission victory in the second round.
Islam Makhachev is reportedly set to make his inaugural defense of the welterweight title in August.
According to his coach, Arman Tsarukyan also has his next fight date and opponent confirmed, with an official announcement anticipated shortly.
Arman Tsarukyan Vows to Knock Out Islam Makhachev in a Future Bout
While an immediate rematch between Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev seems improbable, Tsarukyan recently voiced his ambition to knock out Makhachev.
In a recent interview with M Hassan Yosufi, “Ahalkalakets” acknowledged Makhachev as the toughest opponent he has ever encountered, praising the pound-for-pound king’s exceptional skills and arsenal. He then stated:
“Next time, I will simply knock him out.”
