Islam Makhachev‘s reign as the lightweight champion has been the longest in the history of the sport. The Dagestani has held the 155 lbs gold for a good two years now. However, it appears that it’s time for another champion to take that spot, as Makhachev has injured himself in his clash against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 and most probably will be out of the Octagon for the rest of the year, “It’s part of this sport. I have a small injury right now, I cut my hand ligament and we will see. The next 10 days, I have to wear this thing and the doctor will make a decision.”

As Makhachev’s return remains uncertain, Arman Tsarukyan‘s patience is to be tested as the number one contender for the lightweight belt has called out the UFC administration to give him a title fight next. Amidst this chaotic scenario, Mateusz Gamrot has come forward to propose the idea of an interim lightweight championship match between him and Tsarukyan. Let’s dig deeper to learn what  Gamrot has in his mind.

Mateusz Gamrot proposes to fight Arman Tsarukyan in absence of Islam Makhachev

After witnessing Islam Makhachev’s ligament injury news, Arman Tsarukyan took to his socials to state that the UFC should either give him the title fight or arrange a fight for the interim championship for him, “I became number one and proved to the whole world that I am a contender for the title. And my next fight will be only for the belt. So it could be an interim title if [Makhachev] doesn’t have time to recover his hand. If he recovers his hand, it will be even better for me.” said Arman Tsarukyan. The Armenian defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 to become the number one contender for the 155 lbs title. However, his antics at the grand event suspended him for a good six/nine months.

Regardless, Tsarukyan is demanding either a title fight or an interim title fight from Dana White. Amidst the chaos, Mateusz Gamrot has come forward, claiming that he is the best man to fight Tsarukyan right now. “I don’t know what will happen with the champ Islam. I don’t know that he can fight this year. Probably, he will have surgery right in the hand,” Gamrot told Home of Fight’s Jake Noecker.

He further added, “So, I wish him fast recovery. But, if he can’t fight this year and if I beat Dan Hooker Saturday night, I think I [am] gonna be the first in the line to fight interim [title] fight. So, we’ll see what’s happening there Saturday night. But, I really believe that I will be next.”

Arman Tsarukyan has lost three times in his career, and Mateusz Gamrot is one of the fighters who handed the Armenian a defeat. Regardless, if Gamrot defeats Dan Hooker in his upcoming clash then there’s a high possibility that the UFC would consider an interim lightweight belt. However, a UFC insider has a different opinion of Tsarukyan.

Jon Anik wants Arman Tsarukyan to wait for Makhachev

The last time Arman Tsarukyan fought Islam Makhachev was back in 2019 when he was just debuting for the promotion. Tsarukyan gave a hard time to Makhachev but at the end of the day, the Dagestani clinched the victory by way of unanimous decision.. Five years later both of the fighters are again on a rival pedestal to face each other and looking at this Jon Anik has urged Arman Tsarukyan to wait for Islam Makhachev.

“Do you think, Belal Muhammad the way he is wired, 15-months bro, you think he wanted to wait? But he knew if he fought Gilbert Burns on one leg on three weeks’ notice and beat him that he was staring at maybe a year and a half on the sidelines. Arman Tsarukyan has to wait, ” said Anik in a conversation with ‘MMA Fighting.’

Muhammad earned his shot with a win over Burns in May 2023 but the promotion went with Colby Covington for Edwards’ title defense in December 2023. ‘Remember the Name’ waited for more than a year until the inevitable opportunity came his way. Since Tsarukyn can’t boast a lot of glamour in his fights, same as Muhammad, will the promotion look favorably upon him even if he takes an interim title fight?

What Tom Aspinall and the heavyweight division are currently going through is also a good reminder for Tsarukyan. The Brit has won and defended an interim title, yet he’s not the one fighting the champion next. Keep in mind that there are fan favorites like Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje and even a returning Conor McGregor who could upset the status quo for Tsarukyan.

Will Dana White give an interim belt fight to Tsarukyan or will he wait for Islam Makhachev’s comeback? State your thoughts in the comments below.