Home/UFC

via Imago

via Imago

Arman Tsarukyan shocked the MMA world after making quick work of Beneil Dariush at UFC Austin. He knocked out ‘Benny’ in just over one minute of the opening round, after which he revealed his championship aspirations. Tsarukyan claimed that he’s aiming to become a double champion, with fights against Islam Makhachev and Justin Gaethje in his sight.

Arman Tsarukyan was recently involved in a heated altercation with Bobby Green. The incident took place at the UFC’s host hotel in Austin. However, that did not seem to affect his aim of defeating Beneil Dariush, which he did in spectacular fashion. Tsarukyan later confessed to wanting to hold two titles. Let’s take a look at what he had to say.

Arman Tsarukyan wants two championship belts

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

‘Ahalkalakets’ made an appearance on the UFC Austin’s post-show after arguably his best performance in Dana White’s promotion. Rashad Evans was among the experts on the show who asked Arman Tsarukyan who he would like to fight next if the UFC does not hand him a fight against Islam Makhachev. The Armenian-Russian fighter revealed that he had his sights on Justin Gaethje as well.

“To be honest [Justin] Gaethje would be good,” said Tsarukyan. He also mentioned that he needs to climb up the rankings and replace Dustin Poirier to earn the third spot. The lightweight star added, “Gaethje is a good fight for me… I got to be number three [in UFC rankings] because Gaethje, he deserves to be number two.”

Read More: “Next Fight Is Gonna Be Different” – Team Khabib and Islam Makhachev Haunted by Arman Tsarukyan’s Statement, Demands Rematch After UFC Austin Win Against Beneil Dariush

After reaching the third spot in the lightweight rankings, Arman Tsarukyan believes he’ll have a great chance to challenge Justin Gaethje for the BMF title. Thereafter, he is planning to go for Islam Makhachev’s lightweight strap. “Number three vs number two makes sense and [I will go for] BMF title and then real title and I’m gonna have two titles,” said the 8th-ranked fighter. Additionally, Tsarukyan also sent a message to the Dagestani champion following his win over Beneil Dariush.

‘Ahalkalakets’ claims his next fight against Islam Makhachev will have a different outcome

When Arman Tsarukyan made his UFC debut in 2019, Islam Makhachev was his first opponent. The reigning lightweight champion handed the Armenian-Russian fighter his first loss in the promotion. Makhachev convincingly defeated Tsarukyan to grab a unanimous decision victory. However, Tsarukyan believes that it will not happen again in their next fight.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ESPN MMA (@espnmma)

Arman Tsarukyan has no doubts that Islam Makhachev has proved himself to be an elite fighter. But he believes that he can beat the champion. Tsarukyan was a young up-and-comer in 2019, so he wasn’t able to beat Makhachev. But he predicted that next time he will be knocking the Dagestani star when they fight inside the Octagon.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

‘Ahalkalakets’ registered his third win in a row in Austin, Texas. With an impressive 8-2 record in the UFC, he might very well get a title shot soon. However, Islam Makhachev also has a few potential opponents to fight in the near future. We will have to wait and see how things pan out for the Armenian-Russian fighter after his impressive knockout win.

Watch This Story: Watch Khabib Nurmagomedov Invents Another Dagestani Basketball Style Game