Makhachev believes Arman Tsarukyan should have fought for the title belt
Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, stated that Arman Tsarukyan deserved to fight for the title, but by the organization’s decision, he is forced to wait.
Islam Makhachev expressed dissatisfaction with the situation in the UFC Lightweight division. According to him, some fights seem incomprehensible, and he considers it particularly unfair that Arman Tsarukyan was excluded from the title contention.
Makhachev noted that, in his opinion, Arman Tsarukyan himself should have fought for the belt, but now that opportunity has been given to Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje. They will compete for the interim championship belt, and the winner will later face the current champion, Ilia Topuria. This situation, according to Makhachev, means that Arman Tsarukyan will have to wait at least another year. He recalled that he also went through a long journey in his career before reaching the title, winning 10 fights in a row.
“Arman needs to be patient and wait for his turn,” Makhachev said.
It should be recalled that the fight between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje will take place at UFC 324 on January 25, 2026, in Las Vegas, USA.