Islam Makhachev jabs at Arman Tsarukyan forward of UFC 302
Throughout a UFC Eurasia documentary, Makhachev mirrored on his first conflict with Tsarukyan.
“I believe Arman [Tsarukyan] ought to thank me, I signed him for a struggle in opposition to me,” Makhachev mentioned. “I wouldn’t name it a detailed struggle. I gained each spherical, however Arman [Tsarukyan] nonetheless requires a rematch…
“He had many alternatives to return out instead. I do know that earlier than UFC 302 he was provided to struggle me, both means our rematch is inevitable, we’ll settle this quickly.”
Tsarukyan went on to win 5 consecutive fights after the loss to Makhachev, earlier than a Combat of the Yr candidate in opposition to Mateusz Gamrot in 2022. He’s gained 4 straight fights since a unanimous determination defeat to Gamrot in his first profession UFC important occasion.
Makhachev has gained 13 consecutive fights since a loss to Adriano Martins at UFC 192. He secured the UFC light-weight belt at UFC 280 earlier than profitable title defenses in opposition to Volkanovski.
If Makhachev is profitable in his newest title protection, a conflict with Tsarukyan is on the horizon. Whereas there’s mutual respect between them, tensions are persevering with to construct forward of a possible run-back.