UFC Rumors: Dana White Decides Islam Makhachev’s Subsequent Title Defence as Group Khabib Placed on Alert About Bitter Rival

UFC light-weight champion Islam Makhachev is on a path to greatness. Along with his fifth-round victory over the legendary Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 on June 1, his fourteenth in a row, the Dagestani is 2 wins away from having essentially the most consecutive wins in UFC historical past. As well as, he’s tied together with his good friend, mentor, and GOAT contender Khabib Nurmagomedov for essentially the most light-weight title defenses at three.

However his subsequent opponent is probably going to present him a run for his cash and make him work onerous if he desires to proceed his record-breaking run. Makhachev is now set to face the primary contender, Arman Tsarukyan someday this yr. And it appears that evidently the UFC has selected a date for his or her much-awaited conflict.

Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan rumored for October

Arman Tsarukyan turned the official number-one title contender for the light-weight crown in April. The Armenian confronted former champion and 155-pound dynamo Charles Oliveira at their UFC 300 anniversary mega-card, defeating ‘Do Bronx’ through a cut up resolution of their title eliminator.

Whereas he was provided a shot on the Dagestani champ at UFC 302 on June 1, the contender turned it down because the turnaround time (lower than eight weeks) was too little time for him to relaxation, get better, and have a full coaching camp. Understandably, the challenger needed to battle the champ when he was one hundred percent.

And now, the 27-year-old appears to have gotten his want, if the rumors are to be trusted. A report by the information outlet ‘MMA Uncensored’ has claimed that Dana White and co. are aiming for an October date for the Makhachev-Tsarukyan 155-pound title bout. Therefore the excitement solely proves that Tsarukyan can have greater than sufficient time to arrange and get better for what is going to undoubtedly be the most essential battle he has ever had in his almost decade-long combined martial artist profession.  In keeping with the outlet, the Dagestani will defend his light-weight title in opposition to Tsarukyan (his fourth title protection) on the high of the yet-to-be-announced UFC 307.

Opposite to his different title defenses, this would be the first time Makhachev faces somebody he has already fought (and defeated) earlier than he turned champ two years in the past. However issues have been very again in 2019, when a fresh-faced 23-year-old Arman Tsarukyan, confronted the then up-and-coming Makhachev on his UFC debut, whose declare to fame again then was his proximity and shut relationship with ‘Khabib’.

Whereas Tsarukyan misplaced through a unanimous resolution to the Makhchkahala native of their first encounter, loads has modified since then. The Armenian has most undoubtedly gotten higher, honed his abilities, matured as a fighter, and thus anticipated to be far more of a problem to Makhachev.

However Charles Oliveira thinks none of that may matter when the rubber hits the street and the 2 battle, merely due to the leaps and bounds with which Makhachev himself has improved.

Do Bronx believes Makhachev will win in opposition to Tsarukyan

Charles Oliveira is probably one of the best particular person to guage who will win in a Makhachev-Tsarukyan bout. The straightforward purpose behind that is that ‘Do Bronx’ has confronted (and misplaced to) each males. The ex-champ confronted defeat to Tsarukyan at UFC 300 merely three months in the past, and to Makhachev two years in the past at UFC 280, the place the Dagestani wrested the coveted 155-pound title off of Oliveira through second-round submission.

The Brazilian is consequently assured that Makhachev, together with his vastly improved hanging and world-class floor recreation, shall be a troublesome nut for Tsarukyan to crack. Actually, ‘Do Bronx’ is of the opinion that Arman has nearly no likelihood in opposition to the champion. “As a result of Islam is evolving on the ft and is harmful on the bottom with submissions. Arman is a man that takes you down and holds you there all the time. No manner. It’s not a battle he can win. After all, I’ve simply mentioned this and I can’t backtrack, we’re speaking about MMA and it’s very unpredictable… however I feel Islam is far more skilled, has extra focus, extra starvation, and is far stronger than Arman,” he mentioned in a latest interview.

Whereas he did give the customary disclaimers about MMA being unpredictable and something being attainable owing to the erratic nature of the game, ‘Do Bronx’ felt Makhachev would emerge victorious and en path to breaking data for one easy purpose: he’s a greater grappler than Makhchev. However we have an interest to know your opinion on the identical. What’s your prediction for Makhachev-Tsarukyan? Tell us within the feedback under!