Arman Tsarukyan reveals What Islam Makhachev Told him After Their Fight Seven Years Ago

Arman Tsarukyan debuted seven years ago in the UFC. In his very first fight, the Armenian faced off against the Dagestani legend, Islam Makhachev. Despite putting up a valiant effort, Tsarukyan failed to pull off an upset. However, having the lost the bout, Makhachev gave him some words of advice that ‘Ahalkalakets’ carries with him until today. 

Islam Makhachev Motivated Arman Tsarukyan after First Loss

Taking a loss in the very first match is always a hard pill to swallow. But things got better for Tsarukyan as the UFC two-division champion had some deep conversations with the newcomer. In a recent statement, Tsarukyan pointed out how he was well-guided by the Dagestani fighter after his loss. 

Tsarukyan said, “He supported me after the fight. He said, 'You're still young, everything's ahead of you. So don't be upset? And I was like, 'I'm not that young! Fell down... Well, sat down and covered my eyes...! never liked losing... no matter how young I was.”

Well, Makhachev was not wrong. Fighting his way up to the top, the Armenian fighter has become one of the most recognizable characters in the UFC. Putting his excellent fighting skills on display, Tsarukyan is now aiming to find a place in the championship scenario of the UFC. 

Meanwhile, with Tsarukyan locked in on his next fight, Dana White sounded doubtful about giving him a title shot. 

Will Arman Tsarukyan get Title Shot Next? 

It's no secret that Tsarukyan is trying hard to secure himself a title shot. Aiming to clinch Justin Gaethje’s UFC gold, he will face off against Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC 331. However, winning the bout itself might not guarantee the Armenian fighter a title shot. 

According to Dana White, “I hate to say that until the fight is over... Arman says a lot of things. Listen, let's see how this fight plays out.” 

At the moment, putting all the noise aside, Tsarukyan must first focus on securing a dominant victory.