Even before Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev had the chance to lock horns in a rematch, the duo made sure to fight a cold war. With either team lashing out at the other, one of Makhachev’s teammates, Shamil Zavurov, revealed some details regarding the first time when Makhachev and Tsarukyan fought each other, back in 2019. On top of that, he revealed a lesser-known fact about the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.  

One of Ushatayka MMA Talks’ interviews with Zavurov was shared on Instagram, and as expected, it went viral within moments. In the interview, the lightweight champion’s teammate addressed Makhachev’s health troubles back when he fought Tsarukyan in 2019. Zavurov said, “I was the one who was warming Islam up [for the fight] and the late Abdulmanap said to him, ‘I don’t like the way you look.’ Islam was very pale.”

While training, Makhachev told Zavurov that he wasn’t feeling too good. However, he still looked up to the fight, claiming that it’d get better inside the cage. Zavurov continued, “And after the fight, he ran back to the locker room and was throwing up for a good five minutes. I have no clue how he managed to restrain that urge in the cage. He said, ‘It was nearly in my throat. I could hardly hold on.’ Maybe he ate something bad…”

And that happened right on the fight day! But the conversation soon shifted to Tsarukyan, trying his best to rise in the popularity pages. Zavurov admitted that the Armenian fighter has been building himself up for the last 6-12 months. However, his performance against the Dagestani champ was something that made Zavurov stay rooted for his friend and training partner. Zavurov went on, “He’s been acting like he gave Islam the hardest fight. Not even close. Islam was throwing up after the fight. He was feeling sick. And he still beat him with ease. Islam has significantly improved. Wrestling with him back then and now, those are completely different levels.”

Finally, when he concluded that Makhachev would defeat ‘Ahalkalakets’ even more easily than before. And it was based on the champion’s enhanced strength and skills. But Tsarukyan wasn’t ready to give up. After all, he built himself up without the aid of legends like the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, or the former lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov. 

Arman Tsarukyan isn’t bothered about Khabib Nurmagomedov’s presence in Islam Makhachev’s corner

Not too long ago, Red Corner MMA shared a video of the Armenian fighter beaming with confidence, as he talked about Makhachev’s corner person. He said, “I don’t know. Maybe some of them do worry about him being there. His knowledge and his ability to give some good advice. But for me, it’s quite the opposite, and it’s motivation. When I had my UFC debut, I entered the Octagon. Nobody knew me, but Islam had Abdulmanap and Javier in his corner, two of the most famous and greatest coaches in the world. So I walked out for this fight, willing to show them that I came there to win.” 

With ‘Ahalkalakets’ aiming to snatch the lightweight championship title away from Nurmagomedov’s champion, the entire Dagestani team has taken up arms against the Armenian. And that includes the head coach of the AKA gym, Javier Mendez. The coach undermined Tsarukyan’s prowess and scoffed at the Armenian for thinking that could outsmart him and Nurmagomedov.

But the outcome of the bout remains to be seen. As we wait for Makhachev to heal his hand, Tsarukyan continues to train himself and get better at wrestling and striking. Who do you think would win at UFC 311? Well, if Makhachev could bring Tsarukyan down while trying to hold back his sickness, he can easily defeat the #1 lightweight contender when he’s fully healed, right? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.