Arman Tsarukyan doesn’t buy hype around Islam Makhachev being unbeatable

Islam Makhachev submitted Oliveira at UFC 280, winning the vacant lightweight title. With an abrupt end to his 11-win streak, the Brazilian was set to rematch him at UFC 294, but it fell through. With more and more convolutions, the Dagestani battled Alexander Volkanovski instead for two-division glory. ‘Ahalkalakets’ says Makhachev did not look good in his first scrap with Volk at UFC 284.

Concurrently, he also alluded to the gag of the fighter engaging with only lower or unranked opponents. His last two title defenses were against Volk. He has yet to defend his 155-pound gold against someone from the lightweight division. Tsarukyan even considers Oliveira a tougher opponent to match despite defeating ‘Do Bronx’ and losing to Makhachev. Only time will tell if his predictions ever come true.

Arman Tsarukyan says the UFC 300 judge apologized after scoring for Charles Oliveira

Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) fought a hard-fought war with the rival for the top spot. The judges’ scorecard officially read 29-28, 29-28, and 28-29, with the two scorecards favoring Tsarukyan. In his post-fight octagon interview, he felt he had done enough to win the bout unanimously.

Daniel Cormier recently interviewed Tsarukyan on his YouTube channel. The Armenian fighter told DC about a conversation with the UFC 300 judge.

Yesterday with [Ariel] Helwani, I talked to referee (judge), he did the mistake on the third round because he gave to Oliveira...My coach talked to him. He called my coach and said ‘Sorry, yeah, you were right. I wasn’t give to Oliveira.’ So, he apologize too for that... Arman Tsarukyan to Daniel Cormier on his Official YouTube channel (@DC_MMA)

Judges Adalaide Byrd and Ron McCarthy favored Tsarukyan for Rounds 2 and 3. However, Judge Mike Bell had controversially scored 1 and 3 for Oliveira instead of the Armenian. He said Bell later apologized to his camp and corner for scoring the end frame to the opponent.

Currently, he has turned down a short-notice rebound to challenge UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302. Nevertheless, the rematch between Tsarukyan and Makhachev will likely happen towards the end of the year.