Sports director of the league “Our Business” Armen Gulyan, in a conversation with , explained why the contender for the UFC lightweight belt Arman Tsarukyan can beat the current title holder Islam Makhachev.
The first number of the lightweight division, Arman Tsarukyan, will be able to fight against Makhachev in early 2025. The fighters previously met at a tournament in St. Petersburg in 2019. Tsarukyan, who made his debut in the UFC in this fight, lost to Makhachev by decision.
— Who do you think is the second lightweight in Russia after Islam Makhachev?
—Arman Tsarukian. And if we go further, these are the guys who fight for titles in different Russian leagues, including those who fight in the ASA. In Bellator, Usman Nurmagomedov showed himself very well in the fight with Alexander Chablius, he improved a lot. This is generally one of the most competitive divisions.
— How can Tsarukyan defeat Makhachev?
— Because of the good approach to combat. The last fight was unsuccessful for Arman, not only because he did not have enough experience, but also because he seemed to have turned to his youthful maximalism. He, having a slight advantage in the standing position, wanted to show that he could not be worse in wrestling. And tactically, I lost the battle. But if he approaches with more composure, if he manages to impose his rhythm and his game on Islam, he can win. Islam is definitely the favorite due to his experience, so it’s just a matter of who can start imposing their game from the opening minutes. But, of course, Arman is Islam Makhachev’s most competitive opponent at this weight. He can both punch and wrestle.
— Eduard Vartanyan says that when facing any opponent, you have to look for certain vulnerabilities in your technique. What vulnerabilities could Islam Makhachev have?
– He may be worse in some specific aspects, where Armand will be better. This is clearly seen in amateur tournaments: two approximately equal opponents face each other and it is decided who will impose their game and their advantages on whom. I think Armand should start from stand-up, because maybe he has an advantage in stand-up. But in the power struggle with Islam, it could yield.
— Do you agree that none of Islam Makhachev’s rivals have had the kind of fight Arman has?
– Yes. No struggle, no struggle, no flexibility, no technique. Arman and his team train with freestyle athletes. And that suggests they’re gearing up for a good duel fight. My personal opinion is that this fight will go to the end, the fighters will be careful and everything will end with a slight advantage in some rounds in favor of one of the fighters.
— Are you ready to imagine that this will be such a difficult fight to evaluate that there will again be a controversial refereeing decision, like for example in the boxing fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol?
– Yes. Or like in the fight between Alex Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev. If the fight ends early, it will be a sensation,” Gulyan told .
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Source : MatchTV
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
