UFC 300 witnessed the number one contender fight between Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira for the number for the lightweight title. Tsarukyan defeated Oliveira by way of a split decision to take another step towards the lightweight belt but it seems like the Armenian is not in the mood to rush his fight against Islam Makhachev. This might be because the fight could barely be deemed one-sided as Tsarukyan barely survived Oliveira’s ruthless submission attempts throughout the first 3 rounds.
According to Tsarukyan’s manager, UFC offered them the title fight after defeating Oliveira, yet, the team had to withdraw considering the fact that the Armenian needed his rest after winning the fight as he indeed suffered some injuries in the fight. Following the victory, Tsarukyan’s Manager spoke with the media about his plans.
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“The fight with Islam [Makhachev] on June 1 was offered to us. This happened immediately after the fight. Well Before the fight there was an understanding that there was no point in going into a title fight with Islam on short notice, especially since the number one contender had already been achieved,” said Arman Tsarukyan’s manager.
The last time Tsarukyan faced Islam Makhachev, he was defeated. Nevertheless, the Armenian has a chance to redeem himself, and seems like he is taking his time to get himself ready for the fight. Despite his victory, the MMA community seems to have some sour thoughts about Tsarukyan’s rejection.
Fans react to Arman Tsarukyan’s rejection to fight Islam Makhachev on short notice
Seven weeks’ notice might sound like a good time for a fight, but when you are injured, the seven-week timeframe sounds like a bane. Tsarukyan’s rejection might be a good tactical move for the lightweight belt for according to the MMA community, it is a bad move. Some of the comments by the fans are as follows:-
Starting off, a fan started the conversation stating that Tsarukyan is not taking the fight on purpose.
Arman turning a fight down
Likewise, another fan conveyed the same emotion!
Arman don’t want the smoke
Moreover, a fan stated that the Armenian team knew for a fact that they were not on a level with Islam Makhachev.
They knew that Armans level isn’t near Islams level yet
Eventually, Arman Tsarukyan found some support among a few as well!
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He chose Dustin over Arman… weak sauce
Yup Arman has to work him way up, not just jump in.
Last but not least, a fan stated that offering Tsarukyan to fight again in seven weeks is just crazy from the promotion.
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They wanted Arman to fight again in 7 weeks? That’s crazy
All things aside, Arman Tsarukyan made a brave decision to not fight Islam Makhachev immediately considering that he had just defeated Oliveira, wherein Do Bronx put up a worthy fight. Regardless, do you believe Arman Tsarukyan has what it takes to be the lightweight champion? State your thoughts in the comments below.