The lightweight division is on the roll again with both Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan gearing up to face each other in the near future. Makhachev’s dominance is such that the lightweight title has yet to change shoulders since October 2022. However, Tsarukyan appears to want to change this and might be training with Khamzat Chimaev, in an attempt to tackle the Dagestani wrestling.

Chimaev and Tsarukyan are set to face each other as coaches on Russian Hype Reality. Tsarukyan has mentioned that during breaks on the show, he plans to dedicate time to training with Chimaev. “Of course, why not? Khamzat fights well and will test his strength. To be honest, he is there, and if there’s an opportunity to train with him, it would be good.” Tsarukyan might be churning some gold but according to Beneil Dariush, the reality is much different.

Beneil Dariush gives a reality check to Arman Tsarukyan before his rumored clash against Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan’s initial clash happened way back in 2019, when ‘Ahalkalakets’ was making his UFC debut. Despite his newcomer status, Tsarukyan gave tough competition to Makhacehv, but, at the end of the day, it was Makhachev who clinched the victory. Well, years have passed since then, and both the fighters have increased their skills drastically.

This time the Armenian is planning to defeat the lightweight champion by making Chimaev his trump card. “He is tall and can work in a left-handed stance, I will ask him to train with me. In general, his build is similar to Islam’s,” said Tsarukyan. The plan might sound good but according to Dariush, it is just rubbish.

“You know, the openings I saw Makhachev use were the same ones I saw when he fought [Alexander] Volkanovski. You know, he does slow down quite a bit, and then, um, that could be a big factor. But the problem is, I think Arman Tsarukyan also slows down, and he slows down more,” said Beneil Dariush on Submission Radio.

He further added, “Islam’s best weapons are his takedown defense and his patience, so I think he’s a better fighter, economically speaking, than Tsarukyan. And I think that’s going to be the key in the fight. I think the fight’s going to go into the latter rounds, and that’s going to be what helps Makhachev. I think he’s going to win the fight, decision most likely, or finish at the end.”

Dariush further emphasized that the chances of Tsarukyan winning the bout against Makhachev are quite slim but not impossible. The fighter added that if the fight goes onto the last round then it is a done deal for Makhachev. Well, Dariush is not the only fighter who gave his opinion on their fight.

Alexander Volkanovski gives his take on Makhachev vs.Tsarukyan

Alexander Volkanovski has been on an indefinite break after his clash against Ilia Topuria back at UFC 298. The former featherweight champion has fought Makhachev twice and lost on both occasions. Volkanovski is probably the best man to comment on the skills of the lightweight champion and that is what he did when he sat down with Israel Adesanya’s brother on his channel Freestylebender.

While having a conversation about their match, Volkanovski said, “So I’m expecting it to be another close, tough fight. I think it’ll be standing more. I think Arman’s shown that he can knock people out – same as Islam I guess as well. But Islam I think might be a little bit more calculated on the feet. But I think it’s gonna be a little bit more of a dog fight…There’s gonna be strikes, there’s gonna be scrambles, there’s gonna be a bit of everything.”

Well, Arman Tsarukyan vs Islam Makhachev might not be happening soon as the Armenian has been suspended by NSAC for nine months for his behavior back at UFC 300. What’s your take on their clash? State your thoughts in the comments below.