Islam Makhachev recently suffered a major blow after an update on the lightweight champion claimed he was injured. Moreover, he might have to sit out for the rest of the year, as his team shut down any chances of another title defense in 2024. Now, this could be a frustrating situation for Arman Tsarukyan, who’s waiting for his well-deserved title shot, or so we thought.

It turns out ‘Ahalkalakets’ isn’t too concerned about Makhachev getting sidelined. Arman Tsarukyan was told by the UFC about the lightweight champion’s injury situation. But he’s still in fight mode, training and staying in shape to step up and fight at any given time. ” I was informed that this fight will not happen this year, [and] it will take place early next year… it’s from the UFC, but this is the nature of our sport: everything can change in a moment. That’s why I am keeping myself in shape. I am in camp now,” Tsarukyan told ‘Red Corner MMA’.

The Armenian star would also add that he doesn’t necessarily want to fight Islam Makhachev, the only UFC fighter to hand him a loss under the UFC banner. His sole aim is to become champion, just like any other fighter on the roster. If Dana White decides to take the heavyweight division’s route and introduce an interim title, he’d happily accept that offer against any of the top five fighters, who he believes don’t necessarily deserve the shot.

“It’s not about fighting Islam for me, it’s about becoming the champion… Any of the top five could fight for the interim title – Hooker, Chandler, Oliveira, Gaethje or Poirier… Although they don’t deserve it because all four of them are coming from a loss, at least three of them,” Arman Tsarukyan added. If we analyze his statement, ‘Ahalkalakets’ may not be wrong. Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier have all lost their last fight, so that leaves just Dan Hooker, who’s in the driving seat to be a title contender.

Could Arman Tsarukyan fight Dan Hooker in Islam Makhchev’s absence?

‘The Hangman’ turned around his UFC career with three consecutive wins on the trot. The Kiwi star outfought a highly rated Mateusz Gamrot, who was the oddsmakers’ favorite to clinch victory at UFC 305. In a passionate post-fight interview, Dan Hooker claimed to be ready for a title shot. It could be the divisional gold, the BMF strap, or that once-in-a-lifetime ‘red panty night’ showdown against ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor, who still has one more fight after Michael Chandler left on his contract.

“I’m going to be in the Top 5. Look at me now. I want them all, brother, I want the BMF, I want Conor McGregor, I want a title eliminator, I want everything,” Dan Hooker stated after his unanimous decision win over Mateusz Gamrot. As far as we can see, the 24-12 fighter could make the cut for an interim title fight because he’s hungry for any title that the UFC wants to put in front of him.

What do you think about Arman Tsarukyan giving the green signal for an interim title fight? Who would you like to see him fight? Drop your comments below.