Despite being the #1 lightweight contender, Arman Tsarukyan could not fight Islam Makhachev. He could not fight against the lightweight champ at UFC 311 because of a last-minute back injury. The 28-year-old had worked his way up to the shot with victories against Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira. But fate had other plans for him, and people were left wondering who he’d have to face to earn his way back to the title. But it looks like the mystery of his next opponent may now be over/

‘Akhalkalakets’ is coming in on short notice and will compete with Makhachev’s teammate Makkasharip Zaynukov on May 2nd, not in MMA, but at Karate Combat 54. The fight will occur at a catchweight of 175 lbs from Dubai. But who is Zaynukov? He is from Team Khabib and has a pro record of 16-4. The Russian had recently debuted in PFL, defeating  Derek Sanders in a lightweight fight.

The Russian star spoke about his recent fight against Tsarukyan and about Makhachev giving him tips, saying, “We wrestled, he told me to go forward. He said, ‘ Attack him and that’s it.’ No extra tips, it’s just what we always do. I train with the best man. In the whole world, what should I be scared of? I am ready for everything.” The host questioned, “Did Islam come up with any jokes for this matchup? As he always jokes around. Didn’t he go like, You are stealing my rivalry.” The Russian MMA fighter said, “No, no, he’s not a rival to him. When I beat him, I will call Islam out myself.”

After that the conversation went to the contract that he received from the Karate Combat association saying, “They sent the contract and the match got set up for May 2nd.” Apparently he signed the contact before Tsarukyan and explained that his opponent’s team agreed.  He said, “I think everything is sorted with the UFC if he agreed.” However why did Charles Oliveira and Islam Makahchev not want to fight ‘Akhalkalakets’?

Arman Tsarukyan reasoned why Charles Oliveira and Islam Makahchev rejected his callout

‘Akhalkalakets’ had to withdraw from UFC 311 due to an injured back, and it was not Tsarukyan’s fault. However, now he is left without a fight in the UFC. Makhachev seems to have moved on from him, and Oliveira is focusing on fighting Makahchev. But why did Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira not want to compete against him anymore? After all, he is the #1 contender?

Well, the Armenian gave the reasons himself and spoke about it to Ariel Helwani. He said, “If Islam beats me, then I think he’s done with this division. He beat everybody. He just got to beat me, and then people can say that.” Tsarukyan continued, “Right now, because it’s a dangerous fight, and I don’t have a title. Oliveira wants to fight for the title, Topuria wants to fight, everybody wants to fight for the title, and when the title fight is going (to get) booked, and then I’m going to get the fight.” 

However, right now, Tsarukyan is concentrating on his May 2 comeback through Karate Combat. It’s not UFC but atleast it’s not nothing. Now that the lightweight scenario in UFC is uncertain, this seems like an apt decision for the Armenian. What do you think of his plan? Tell us in the comments below.