As the UFC lightweight division continues to shift and evolve, one contender stands at the forefront: Arman Tsarukyan. With a professional record of 22 wins and 3 losses, and having proven his mettle in the octagon with 9 victories in the UFC, Tsarukyan is positioning himself not merely as a participant, but as a serious contender for the championship belt. His focus in the upcoming year is set firmly on dethroning the current champion, Islam Makhachev, in what he anticipates will be a pivotal matchup in January or February of 2025.
Tsarukyan’s ambitions, however, do not exist in a vacuum. The lightweight division is rife with competition, and perhaps the most significant figure in this narrative is Charles Oliveira. Known for his grappling prowess and striking ability, Oliveira remains a threat to any contender. Currently, he is slated to rematch Michael Chandler at UFC 309, a contest that promises to impact the title narrative significantly. Tsarukyan’s keen interest in both Oliveira and Chandler highlights the intertwined fates of the fighters within this vibrant division.
The animosity between Tsarukyan and Chandler adds an intriguing layer to this evolving story. Over the months, Tsarukyan has not held back in voicing his displeasure with Chandler’s prolonged ambush of securing a fight with Conor McGregor, suggesting that the latter’s focus has diverted from meaningful matchups that affect the rankings. Chandler’s responses have been pointed, as he insinuates that he is still a pertinent player by presenting his upcoming contest as a title eliminator.
However, Tsarukyan does not appear convinced. In a statement brimming with confidence, he described Chandler as a “No. 1 easy fight” for Oliveira, predicting a definitive victory for the former champion. Tsarukyan’s remarks reveal a psychological warfare aspect to their rivalry, perhaps attempting to unsettle Chandler ahead of UFC 309.
For both Tsarukyan and Oliveira, success in their respective fights could set the stage for a rematch that might have significant championship implications. Their first clash at UFC 300 ended in a tightly contested split decision that saw Tsarukyan emerge victorious. As he notes, if he and Oliveira both deliver in their upcoming fights, a rematch could very well be on the table—a thought that excites Tsarukyan.
In his view, the trajectory of the lightweight division seems clear. If he secures a win against Makhachev, the expectation that Oliveira would be next in line for a title shot feels almost guaranteed. The synergy of these championship aspirations paints a vibrant picture of the lightweight hierarchy, wherein each fighter’s success feeds directly into the unfolding saga of rivalries and rematches.
Arman Tsarukyan’s vision for the UFC lightweight division is marked by ambition, rivalry, and the pursuit of championship glory. With the stakes inherently high and the competition fierce, the next few months promise to be electrifying as these fighters vie for supremacy in one of the most competitive divisions in mixed martial arts.