Arman Tsarukyan won the lightweight title on Saturday and should have been able to cement his place as the top contender.
Arman Tsarukyan, who won the UFC Qatar main fight in the UFC Qatar final on Saturday, submitted Dan Hooker after winning round two.
Even before this win, the majority of UFC fans were adamant that ‘Ahalkalakets’ should be next to challenge Ilia Topuria for the lightweight title.
The Armenian still suffers the consequences of his withdrawal from a fight against Islam Makhachev in early this year. He missed out on the title fight.
Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto, via Getty Images
Makhachev reacts to Tsarukyan’s win
Makhachev, when he ruled the lightweight division, made it clear that he would like to fight Tsarukyan again, because he viewed him as a worthy contender in this division.
Topuria, who has hinted at a fight against either Justin Gaethje, or Paddy Pimblett, is the one most likely to get the next shot for title.
Having been in attendance for Tsarukyan’s fight this past Saturday, the Russian champion believes Tsarukyan once again showcased why he should be next to fight for the title, calling his win a ‘statement’ win.
“I thought he would win, but I didn’t expect it to be in such a dominant manner. I think Arman made a good statement and he showed that he deserves his title shot, I think he is going to fight for the belt in his next fight,”Makhachev made the statement during a scrum of media following UFC Qatar.
Regardless of whether Tsarukyan’s next fight is for the title, it doesn’t mean he will be the next title challenger.
With Topuria potentially set to fight Pimblett or Gaethje, Tsarukyan could find himself waiting on the sidelines for the culmination of ‘El Matador’s’ next title fight.
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Tsarukyan, Topuria exchange barbs on the internet
Funny enough, Topuria Tsarukyan, and Pimblett all attended UFC Qatar as they had roles on the card.
Following Tsarukyan’s win, he was congratulated by…
2025-11-24 20:00:00
