Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson believes the UFC lightweight division faces a significant challenge with the rise of a particular contender.
It`s a period of notable transition in the UFC lightweight ranks. Earlier this week, champion Islam Makhachev vacated his title, opting to move up to the welterweight division to face Jack Della Maddalena.
Competing for the newly vacant belt will be the undefeated Ilia Topuria and former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 28th.
Despite a division filled with established contenders like Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway, UFC legend Rampage Jackson is placing his bet on a dark horse to potentially become the next lightweight champion after the Topuria vs. Oliveira bout.
Rampage Jackson Touts Arman Tsarukyan as the Next Champion
Arman Tsarukyan, holding a record of 22-3, solidified his position as the #1 ranked lightweight following his split decision victory over Charles Oliveira at the landmark UFC 300 event about a year ago.
Facing the most prolific submission artist in UFC history, Tsarukyan drew significant praise for his heart and determination, successfully surviving four of Oliveira’s submission attempts throughout the fight.
Tsarukyan boasts an impressive 9-1 record since losing his UFC debut to Makhachev on short notice. After a planned title shot this year was derailed by injury, the top-ranked contender has expressed his desire to face Justin Gaethje next to prove he deserves another opportunity.
“With all due respect to Gaethje, I think Arman is the next champ,” former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jackson stated on The Jaxxon Podcast.
“He’s hungry, man…”
Jackson further emphasized Tsarukyan`s drive, saying, “Look at that kid. You see it in his eyes. He’s hungry.”
Despite actively training, Tsarukyan has not fought in 13 months, with his last appearance being against Oliveira at UFC 300. He recently declined a UFC offer to fight a lower-ranked contender, calling it ‘disrespectful’.
Jackson Predicts Tsarukyan Will Unleash Frustration on Next Opponent
Following four consecutive wins in the lightweight division, Tsarukyan was offered a title rematch with Makhachev at UFC 302, scheduled for the same night he defeated Oliveira at UFC 300. He declined this offer due to the short six-week notice period, especially after having just completed a tough three-round fight with ‘Do Bronx’.
Makhachev instead faced Poirier at UFC 302 last summer, while Tsarukyan’s opportunity for his first world title fight was rescheduled for January at UFC 311.
However, the day before UFC 311, Tsarukyan was forced to withdraw from the main event due to a painful back injury, with Renato Moicano stepping in as his replacement. Following the event, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Tsarukyan would need to secure another victory to earn a title shot.
Discussing Tsarukyan’s current position, former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw commented, “Hopefully, this just fuels his hunger even more.”
“It’s gonna piss him off a little bit,” Jackson responded.
The former light heavyweight champion then predicted the outcome for Tsarukyan`s next opponent: “Whoever steps in that cage with him next, I feel like they gonna get the s— beat out of them.”
