While Arman Tsarukyan is hopeful he'll be the one to face Ilia Topuria next, he actually thinks it makes more sense for the Spaniard to pursue a fight with Islam Makhachev.
This past Saturday, Tsarukyan competed for the sixth time this year, facing social media influencer Keelon Jimison at RAF 9.
After securing a first-round tech fall win, it was announced that Tsarukyan will face Colby Covington in July, following his match against Tony Ferguson on June 13.
On top of that, Tsarukyan is set to be on standby as the official backup for the UFC White House main event between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, which also takes place on June 13.
Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC
As the designated backup for the title bout on June 14, many would assume 'Ahalkalakets' is first in line for a shot at the winner.
Still, 'El Matador' has made it clear he's eyeing a move up to challenge Islam Makhachev for the welterweight belt, aiming to become MMA's first three-division undisputed champion.
A matchup between Topuria and Makhachev was close to being finalised for the White House card, but according to Topuria's camp, negotiations broke down over financial terms.
Despite his own ambitions to fight for the lightweight title next, Tsarukyan believes Topuria has good reason to prioritise Makhachev over him.
"I'm waiting for the White House card, they're gonna fight, and then they're gonna announce my next fight," Tsarukyan said following his win on the weekend.
"It's probably September or October or the end of this year, it depends on who wins. If it's Ilia, probably at the end of the year; if it's Gaethje, it's probably September or October.
"I think Ilia Topuria (will win), but Justin is an O.G., so you never know… If the UFC lets (Topuria) move up, he's gonna move up. It's better to fight Islam than me because it's for a third title, big money, and if he loses to Islam, it's okay, but if he loses to me at 155lbs, he's going to be gone."
Makhachev hasn't fought since last November when he captured a second belt without any significant setbacks.
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