Arman Tsarukyan Hints at Islam Makhachev's Approaching Retirement and His Own Rise to the Top

Arman Tsarukyan, the top contender in the UFC's lightweight division, has expressed his anticipation for Islam Makhachev's eventual retirement, believing he himself will ascend to dominate the sport in its aftermath. Tsarukyan, who previously lost a unanimous decision to Makhachev in their first encounter, was slated for a rematch at UFC 311 for the lightweight championship. However, a hernia forced him to withdraw from the highly anticipated bout.

Following Tsarukyan's withdrawal, Makhachev went on to defeat Renato Moicano by submission in the first round of UFC 311. Makhachev has since successfully defended his lightweight title four times, setting records before vacating the belt to pursue a second title in the welterweight division. He subsequently defeated Jack Della Maddalena in his welterweight debut, becoming a two-division champion and solidifying his position as the pound-for-pound king. Makhachev is expected to make his first welterweight title defense in August.

Meanwhile, Tsarukyan has shown interest in facing BMF champion Charles Oliveira and has also offered to serve as a backup fighter for the upcoming lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. Tsarukyan has not indicated any plans to move up to the welterweight division, and the 34-year-old Makhachev has no intention of returning to the lightweight division. This makes a future clash between the two unlikely in the near future.

During a recent appearance on the Full Send Podcast, when questioned about the possibility of a rematch with Makhachev, Tsarukyan stated, "He's going to retire, I think, in two fights. One-two fights, he's gone. But me, I'm going to take over this sport in one year." Tsarukyan further expressed his ambition to become the face of the UFC soon and intends to travel the world with the championship belt once he claims it.