Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Arman Tsarukyan during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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Arman Tsarukyan Reveals Lightweight Title Fight Picture, Gives Hint Of His Next Fight As Well!

#1 contender Arman Tsarukyan lets fans in on the lightweight title picture and hinted at his next fight as well!

Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Arman Tsarukyan during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Fighters claw their way through the rankings for years. Many never even get a shot at gold. The current lightweight landscape features Islam Makhachev ruling with an iron grip. His dominant reign has left contenders scrambling for position. Among those elite fighters, Arman Tsarukyan has emerged as a serious threat. The Armenian fighter has been on a tear lately. His combination of wrestling prowess and improved striking makes him dangerous for anyone.

Tsarukyan’s journey hasn’t been easy by any means. He debuted against Makhachev back in 2019. Despite losing that first UFC bout, he impressed many fans. Since then, he has built an impressive resume with wins over top contenders. His victory over former champion Charles Oliveira raised his stock tremendously. Now sitting near the top of the division, Tsarukyan has his sights set on gold. But he might have to claw his way back after he pulled out of the scheduled fight against Makhachev at UFC 311. But, he might have some news about the future of the division.

Also Read: Ian Garry Didn’t Know Who He Was Fighting On Short Notice At UFC Kansas City!

Arman Tsarukyan’s Take On Islam Makhachev’s Next Opponent

Arman Tsarukyan has some interesting thoughts about who gets the next crack at Islam Makhachev. He believes Ilia Topuria has likely secured a title opportunity. He further revealed why Makhachev isn’t thrilled about the matchup.

“I think [Ilia] is gonna fight for the belt, for sure. I think he left 145 because they said ‘we gonna give you title fight. Islam doesn’t want to fight him because if he wins, people gonna say ‘you again beat 145 fighters’. If Islam beats me, I think he’s done with this division. He beat everybody, he just gotta beat me then people can say that…If [Islam] doesn’t move, then yea [he will fight Topuria].”

Arman Tsarukyan talks about the lightweight title picture, and believes that Ilia Topuria will 'for sure' fight for the title next:

"I think [Ilia] is gonna fight for the belt, for sure. I think he left 145 because they said 'we gonna give you title fight'.

Islam doesn't want… pic.twitter.com/KZChPrUiBi
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 16, 2025

There’s some truth to this concern. Islam Makhachev has already defeated former featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski twice. Critics might diminish another win over a smaller fighter. This insight suggests there might be some behind-the-scenes deals already in place. The UFC loves champion versus champion matchups. They sell pay-per-views and create buzz. Even if one fighter has to give up a belt first. But Dana White has been hesitant about this matchup.

What Is Next For Arman Tsarukyan?

Arman Tsarukyan isn’t just sitting around waiting for the title picture to sort itself out. He is already planning his next move based on different scenarios. A title shot seems far fetched but an interim title seems to be in the wings.

“When the title fight is booked, then I’m gonna get a fight…If Islam moves to 170, yea they gotta give me interim title with somebody.”

Arman Tsarukyan believes he’ll fight for the interim title if Islam moves up to 170:

“When the title fight is booked, then I’m gonna get a fight…

If Islam moves to 170, yea they gotta give me interim title with somebody.”

🎥 @JaxxonPodcast #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/ZCOup9NaUb
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 16, 2025

He is not waiting forever for his shot. If Makhachev and Topuria get matched up, he will take another fight in the meantime. An interim title fight would make perfect sense if Makhachev tests the waters at 170 pounds. The lightweight division can’t stay frozen while the champion explores new territory. Names like Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje could make for exciting interim title matchups.

The coming months will be fascinating for the 155-pound division. Will Makhachev defend against Topuria? Will he move up to challenge the winner of UFC 315 main event? Whatever happens, Arman Tsarukyan has positioned himself perfectly to capitalize on any opportunity!

(Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – Imagn Images)

Arman Tsarukyan

Ilia Topuria

Islam Makhachev

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!