Arman Tsarukyan explains how RAF has helped him improve, talks potential Islam Makhachev UFC rematch

Arman Tsarukyan has suggested that competing in miscellaneous combat sports contests, outside the confines of MMA, has helped him evolve as an MMA fighter. 

The perennial UFC lightweight contender has also put forth his views on a potential rematch against former UFC lightweight titlist and reigning UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. 

Arman Tsarukyan explains how wrestling in the RAF has benefitted his MMA fighting career

Arman Tsarukyan partook in the UFC 331 press conference, wherein he addressed various topics, including his imminent return to the Octagon against Mauricio Ruffy next month. 

Additionally, during a conversation with MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn amid the fanfare surrounding his fight announcement, Tsarukyan was questioned about how his wrestling matches and other non-MMA sports contests have helped him improve as an MMA fighter. 

Tsarukyan seemingly referenced his submission grappling matches and stated, "I improve my grappling. So I used to spar, and I cannot submit a lot of people. But right now, I submit every rounds. And I improve it, especially in the grappling." 

Underlining how freestyle wrestling training for and competition in the Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling organization has benefitted him, he added, "And then RAF came. I started wrestling, and now, like, when I'm in the clinch or taking legs, or shoot double-leg takedown, it's way better than before. So I improve my freestyle wrestling as well." 

He continued, "So now it's time to work on my boxing. Maybe after this fight, (UFC CEO and president) Dana (White) let me to box. And then I improve my boxing, too." 

Furthermore, he learned about his longtime rival Islam Makhachev's recent revelation about a conversation with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh. Makhachev had implied that Zuffa Boxing co-founder Alalshikh wanted to book him in a boxing match against former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor. 

For context, Makhachev made the aforementioned assertion while speaking on the UFC Eurasia channel. UFC CEO and president and Zuffa Boxing co-founder Dana White was reportedly uninterested in booking the Makhachev vs. McGregor boxing match. 

Arman Tsarukyan on potential rematch against Islam Makhachev in boxing or MMA

In regard to Islam Makhachev's potential foray into boxing, Arman Tsarukyan alluded to their rematch in MMA not coming to fruition. He was beaten by unanimous decision in a lightweight clash against Makhachev back in 2019. 

The Armenian-Russian combatant was eventually scheduled to fight Makhachev in a rematch when the latter was the UFC lightweight champion. It was back in January of last year. But an injury-induced fight-week withdrawal cast Tsarukyan out of the matchup. 

Coming to the here and now, Tsarukyan has indicated that he's open to facing the Dagestani fighter in boxing or MMA. That said, the "Armenian Batman" is currently pursuing a title shot in the UFC lightweight division, whereas Makhachev competes at welterweight. 

Regardless, Tsarukyan said, "Yeah. Would be great... Me versus Islam. It didn't happen the second time. But maybe, like, on the boxing it happens." 

Presently, Tsarukyan is scheduled to wrestle fellow MMA star Dillon Danis for the inaugural RAF middleweight crossover title at RAF 14 on October 3. Prior to that, he's set to face Mauricio Ruffy in a lightweight MMA fight, which will co-headline UFC 331 on September 19. 

As for his submission grappling career, Tsarukyan spectacularly bested Indian fitness influencer Ankit Baiyanpuria with an armbar submission earlier this month. 

Watch Arman Tsarukyan discuss the RAF, Islam Makhachev, and more below (*comments at the 2:35-minute mark of the video):