Arman Tsarukyan Sets Ambitious Goal to Surpass Islam Makhachev's Lightweight Title Defense Record

Arman Tsarukyan, a prominent contender in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight division, has articulated a clear and ambitious objective: to achieve at least five successful title defenses if he secures the championship, thereby surpassing the record set by his former rival, Islam Makhachev. This strategic aim underscores Tsarukyan’s long-term vision for his career, focusing on establishing a legacy of sustained dominance within the highly competitive 155-pound category.

The narrative between Tsarukyan and Makhachev is deeply rooted in their initial encounter. The two first clashed in April 2019 at UFC Fight Night 149 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, marking Tsarukyan’s promotional debut. At just 22 years old, Tsarukyan accepted the fight against Makhachev on short notice, stepping into the octagon with limited preparation against an already formidable opponent. Despite the circumstances, Tsarukyan pushed Makhachev to a hard-fought unanimous decision, a performance that earned widespread praise for its competitive nature and high-level grappling exchanges. The bout, though a loss for Tsarukyan, immediately signaled his potential and established a compelling rivalry that has continued to simmer.

Makhachev subsequently ascended through the lightweight ranks, ultimately capturing the UFC Lightweight Championship in October 2022 by submitting Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. He then embarked on a historic reign, defending his title four times. His defenses included a unanimous decision victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira in their rematch at UFC 294, another decisive win against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294, and a dominant performance against Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in January 2025. This fourth defense against Moicano, who stepped in as a replacement for an injured Tsarukyan, solidified Makhachev’s position as the most successful lightweight champion in terms of consecutive title defenses in UFC history. Prior to Makhachev, no lightweight had ever achieved four successful defenses, with notable champions such as Khabib Nurmagomedov, B.J. Penn, Frankie Edgar, and Benson Henderson each recording three defenses during their respective reigns.

Tsarukyan’s path to a potential rematch and title shot against Makhachev at UFC 311 was cut short by an untimely back injury. This setback not only denied him the opportunity to challenge for the title but also forced him to withdraw from what was slated to be a highly anticipated championship bout. Following his fourth title defense, Makhachev made the decision to vacate the lightweight title and move up to the welterweight division, where he subsequently claimed the championship. This development means that a direct rematch for the lightweight belt between Tsarukyan and Makhachev is no longer a possibility, at least in the immediate future.

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Addressing his future aspirations on the "Deep Waters" show, Tsarukyan indicated that his focus remains firmly on the lightweight division. "Not yet," Tsarukyan stated regarding chasing Makhachev at 170 pounds. "At least five title defenses… I want to beat the record in the lightweight division. So Islam had four defenses, so I want to make five and then we’ll see or I retire or go up to 170, because I’ve got to gain weight for 170." This declaration clearly outlines his priority to etch his name into the lightweight record books before considering a move to a higher weight class or retirement.

The lightweight division has experienced significant shifts since Makhachev’s departure. Following the title’s vacancy, Ilia Topuria, a highly touted contender, defeated Charles Oliveira via knockout to claim the vacant belt. However, Topuria’s reign was brief, as he suffered a stunning upset in his first title defense against Justin Gaethje at a UFC event in June. This outcome elevated Gaethje, known for his aggressive style and knockout power, to the status of undisputed lightweight champion.

Tsarukyan, with a professional record of 22 wins and 3 losses, has been on a consistent upward trajectory since his debut. His victories over top-ranked opponents such as Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira have solidified his position as a premier contender, showcasing his well-rounded skill set encompassing elite wrestling, striking, and grappling. Currently, he is slated to face Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC 331 on September 19. Ruffy, with a record of 10 wins and 2 losses, is an emerging talent known for his explosive striking, presenting a significant challenge for Tsarukyan as he navigates his path to the championship. A victory over Ruffy is considered crucial for Tsarukyan to maintain his momentum and secure a shot at the lightweight title.

Tsarukyan’s strategic vision extends beyond his upcoming bout with Ruffy. He has publicly stated his expectation to face Justin Gaethje for the lightweight championship should he emerge victorious at UFC 331. He claims to have received verbal assurances from UFC matchmakers regarding this title opportunity. Looking ahead to his potential first title defense, Tsarukyan offered insights into possible opponents, specifically mentioning Ilia Topuria. "Either he’s going to be super good or after this fight he’s not going to recover," Tsarukyan remarked about Topuria, alluding to the psychological and physical impact of Topuria’s recent title loss. "Depends how he’s going to look. I think he’s going to be more motivated, he’s going to focus on his training camp. No bullshit. Before that, just locked, trained, because he’s an incredible fighter." Tsarukyan’s assessment suggests he anticipates a highly motivated and disciplined Topuria seeking redemption.

Beyond his immediate path to the title, Tsarukyan also ventured into speculative matchmaking for the division’s other top contenders. He proposed a hypothetical bout between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett, acknowledging its potential appeal. However, he expressed skepticism about the UFC’s willingness to book such a fight, suggesting the promotion might be inclined to protect both fighters from a potential loss. "The fight makes sense, but they’re not going to do this fight because they need both, they don’t want Paddy to lose, they don’t want again Ilia to lose, so they’re going to give to Ilia someone easy," Tsarukyan hypothesized.

Further elaborating on Pimblett’s potential trajectory, Tsarukyan suggested the UFC might position him for another title run via an "easy money fight." He surprisingly named Max Holloway as a potential opponent for Pimblett, offering a critical assessment of Holloway’s grappling defense. "I think he can beat Max Holloway. If you see Max’s wrestling, it’s nothing, you know? Paddy at least has a takedown. [Holloway] used to have [good wrestling defense], not anymore. It’s gone," Tsarukyan asserted, providing an unfiltered perspective on the former featherweight champion’s perceived vulnerabilities in wrestling. This analysis highlights Tsarukyan’s strategic thinking about the competitive landscape and potential matchups within the UFC’s talent pool.

Arman Tsarukyan’s focused pursuit of a record-breaking five lightweight title defenses positions him as a fighter driven by a desire for historical impact rather than merely capturing a championship. His upcoming bout against Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 represents the next critical step in this ambitious journey, with the ultimate goal of not only securing the lightweight crown but also establishing a new benchmark for sustained excellence in one of the UFC’s most challenging divisions. The path ahead is fraught with formidable opponents and high stakes, but Tsarukyan’s clear vision underscores his determination to forge a lasting legacy in mixed martial arts.

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