UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has one man on his mind after a wild win at Karate Combat 54.
Despite a short-notice withdrawal from UFC 311 earlier this year, Arman Tsarukyan remains active in combat sports as he awaits his next Octagon assignment.
Tsarukyan, who hasn’t fought in the UFC Octagon since a win over Charles Oliveira last year at UFC 300, competed against Team Khabib protégé Makasharip Zaynukov in a submission grappling match at Karate Combat 54. It was the first professional grappling match of his career.
Tsarukyan showed off impressive grappling in defeating Zaynukov by unanimous decision in Dubai, before calling out a familiar foe in a veiled method.
Arman Tsarukyan switches gears after a brilliant performance at KC 54
Tsarukyan was supposed to headline UFC 311 in January opposite UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, before withdrawing on hours’ notice due to a back injury. UFC fan favorite Renato Moicano was then promoted to the headlining spot, falling to Makhachev in the first round.
Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 was one of the most anticipated fights of 2025 before Tsarukyan’s last-second pullout. After withdrawing from UFC 311 and forcing the UFC matchmakers to get creative with the first pay-per-view headliner of the year, Tsarukyan will have to face another top UFC lightweight before making the case for a title shot.
Despite the prolonged path to the lightweight belt, Tsarukyan sent a message to Makhachev after defeating one of his teammates in the pit.
During his KC 54 post-fight interview, Tsarukyan turned his attention towards Makhachev when asked what’s next.
“I need one more guy from Khabib’s team,” Tsarukyan proclaimed.
As of this writing, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Makhachev haven’t responded to Tsarukyan’s post-fight remarks. Makhachev is expected to return to the Octagon sometime this summer, either for another lightweight title defense or a possible move up to welterweight.
Islam Makhachev’s next title defense remains up in the air after dismissing Ilia Topuria
As Tsarukyan and other top lightweights scramble for a shot at the belt, Makhachev is pondering his next move. A potential super fight with Ilia Topuria is on the table for UFC 317, but Makhachev’s apprehension in granting Topuria an immediate title shot has put the matchup in limbo.
Topuria recently announced he’s set to fight at UFC 317, whether it’s against Makhachev or another top contender such as Oliveira or Tsarukyan for a belt. An interim title bout has been tossed around amidst speculation that Makhachev could move up to 170 lbs and potentially vacate the lightweight championship.
But as of this writing, Makhachev hasn’t publicly clarified what’s next for him in the Octagon. With Tsarukyan taking a step backward in his UFC standing, and potential challengers like Paddy Pimblett still one win away from making the case for a title shot, Makhachev’s next fight remains a mystery.
“I need one more guy from Khabib’s team” – Arman Tsarukyan 😳 pic.twitter.com/uPnOpjt9tW
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) May 2, 2025
