According to UFC legend Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, the lightweight division is facing a considerable challenge.
It`s a dynamic period for the UFC lightweight division. Recently, champion Islam Makhachev reportedly vacated his title to pursue a move up to welterweight against Jack Della Maddalena.
The vacant championship is slated to be contested by the undefeated Ilia Topuria and former titleholder Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 28th.
Amidst a stacked division featuring contenders like Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway, UFC icon Rampage Jackson is championing a dark horse candidate he believes will become lightweight champion following the Topuria vs. Oliveira fight.
Rampage Jackson Foresees Arman Tsarukyan as Next Champion
Arman Tsarukyan, holding a 22-3 record, solidified his position as the #1 lightweight contender at the historic UFC 300 event roughly a year ago, earning a split decision win against Charles Oliveira.
Facing off against the most dangerous submission artist in UFC history, Tsarukyan garnered significant praise for his courage and resilience, notably surviving four of Oliveira`s submission attempts.
Tsarukyan has compiled an impressive 9-1 record since his short-notice UFC debut loss to Makhachev. Following an injury that prevented a title shot earlier this year, the top-ranked fighter is now targeting a fight with Justin Gaethje to solidify his claim for a championship opportunity.
“With all due respect to Gaethje, I think Arman is the next champ,” stated former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jackson during an appearance on The Jaxxon Podcast.
“He`s hungry, man…”
“Look at that kid. You see it in his eyes. He`s hungry,” Jackson elaborated on Tsarukyan.
Remaining active in training, Tsarukyan`s last fight was 13 months ago against Oliveira at UFC 300. He recently stated he turned down a `disrespectful` offer from the UFC to fight a lower-ranked opponent.
Rampage Jackson Predicts Tsarukyan Will Unleash Frustration
After securing four straight lightweight wins, Tsarukyan was offered a quick title rematch against Makhachev at UFC 302, shortly after his UFC 300 victory over Oliveira. He turned down the offer, citing the brief six-week notice period and having just finished a three-round war with `Do Bronx`.
As a result, Makhachev went on to fight Poirier at UFC 302 last summer, leaving Tsarukyan to await his first world title shot until January, scheduled for UFC 311.
However, the day before UFC 311, Tsarukyan was forced to pull out due to a back injury, and Renato Moicano stepped into the main event. Following the card, UFC CEO Dana White stated that Tsarukyan would need another win to earn a future title shot.
“Hopefully, this just fuels his hunger even more,” former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw commented on Tsarukyan’s situation.
“It’s gonna piss him off a little bit,” Jackson responded.
“Whoever steps in that cage with him next, I feel like they gonna get the s— beat out of them,” the former light heavyweight champion stated concerning Tsarukyan.
