Arman Tsarukyan might understandably feel a sense of misfortune after not being scheduled to fight for the vacant UFC lightweight title at UFC 317.
Following Islam Makhachev`s decision to vacate the UFC lightweight championship, the main event at UFC 317 was set to feature Ilia Topuria battling Charles Oliveira for the newly available belt.
Prior to this significant matchup, it was announced that Arman Tsarukyan, a top contender in the 155lb division, would weigh in as the official backup fighter for the title bout.
However, Ilia Topuria, potentially considering future title defenses should he win, has suggested he would not fight Tsarukyan next. Topuria indicated that the Armenian fighter would need another win to secure a shot at the championship.
Tsarukyan Open to Fighting Another UFC Star While Awaiting Title Chance
Topuria has also been mentioned as a possible opponent for Paddy Pimblett, fueled by their ongoing animosity.
Despite Pimblett recently securing an impressive victory over Michael Chandler, Topuria reportedly stated that Pimblett would also not immediately receive a title shot.
Earlier this year at UFC 311, Tsarukyan was just one day away from competing for a title, but he withdrew from the fight the day before, a decision that was reported to have displeased Dana White.
Now, ahead of weighing in as the backup for Saturday`s main event, Arman Tsarukyan revealed his willingness to accept a potential number one contender fight against Paddy Pimblett in his next outing.
The back-and-forth exchanges between Pimblett and Tsarukyan online in recent months suggest that a fight between the two lightweights would make sense as a logical next step.
Speaking to Red Corner MMA, Tsarukyan commented, “Paddy looked very good in his last fight and now we can say he can beat top 10 fighters. But I want to fight as soon as possible. Maybe he wants to fight at the end of this year, but I want to fight this summer and then again at the end of the year.”
He added concerning a summer fight against Pimblett, “Yeah, I’d take that. I’d take that because he has a big name… It makes sense.”
Ongoing Discussions Regarding Makhachev`s Lightweight Future
Amidst the current uncertainty surrounding the next challenger for the lightweight title, Islam Makhachev continues to express his intention to return to the lightweight division after his scheduled fight against Jack Della Maddalena.
Further complicating the picture in the division, fellow contender Justin Gaethje recently suggested he might retire if he isn`t granted the next opportunity to fight for the lightweight championship.
