Arman Tsarukyan, a rising lightweight contender, has his sights set on the title. After witnessing Islam Makhachev’s performance at UFC 302, Tsarukyan is confident that he can defeat the reigning champion. Makhachev secured his lightweight title by submitting Dustin Poirier in a grueling five-round battle. However, Tsarukyan believes he can exploit Makhachev’s weaknesses.
Arman Tsarukyan Analyzes Islam Makhachev’s Performance
Tsarukyan observed that Islam Makhachev slowed down during the fight with Poirier. He attributes this to fatigue, emphasizing that even the most skilled fighter struggles when exhaustion sets in. Tsarukyan plans to capitalize on this vulnerability, aiming to outwrestle Makhachev and secure victory.
“It would be very easy fight for me,” Tsarukyan said on The MMA Hour. “I could outwrestle him (in) that fight as well because he got tired. When you’re tired, you can’t do sh*t. Even if you have the best skills in the world, if you’re tired, you’re done. All his five-round fights – he got tired with Volkanovski, he got tired with Dustin, and hopefully it’s going to be my key to win this fight”
Arman Tsarukyan’s Approach
While acknowledging Makhachev’s pound-for-pound status, Tsarukyan remains undeterred. He notes that Makhachev’s conditioning may not be optimal, especially in extended fights. Tsarukyan also praises Poirier’s defensive wrestling, which prevented Makhachev from securing a submission until the later rounds.
Arman Tsarukyan: Version of Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 'would be very easy fight for me' https://t.co/1sSzCKiwch
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“It wasn’t his best performance. He got tired and he was slow. I feel like Islam doesn’t have very good conditioning or maybe he got sick or whatever. I’m not judging him because of his last fight, I got to watch all his fights and take him serious. He’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. I’m just going to prepare like it’s best version of Islam Makhachev. Not underestimate him. Dustin can defend his wrestling, I’m going to defend as well.”
Tsarukyan vows not to underestimate Makhachev. He prepares for the best version of his opponent, recognizing the challenge ahead. If Tsarukyan gets his rematch with Makhachev, he aims to prove that it would be an easy fight for him.
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