In the recent UFC 311 main event, Islam Makhachev secured a seemingly effortless win. Makhachev faced off against Renato Moicano, the challenger hailing from Brazil, culminating in a swift first-round submission victory for the reigning champ.
However, the fight had initially promised to be a more captivating clash. Arman Tsarukyan was originally slated to spar with Makhachev. However, due to an untimely injury, he was forced to withdraw from the fight at the eleventh hour.
Makhachev’s team felt a degree of empathy for Tsarukyan’s unfortunate circumstance. Javier Mendez, the coach of Makhachev, recently spoke on the Armenian fighter’s situation, suggesting that he deserved another opportunity in the octagon.
Addressing Tsarukyan’s disappointment, Mendez extended his hope that no other athlete would experience a similar setback right on the brink of their dream match. Tsarukyan had been earnestly preparing for this bout, securing his title-fight entitlement through sheer hard work, only to be sidelined by a physical setback, not merit-based reasons.
The coach conveyed optimism that the UFC would grant Tsarukyan the chance he earned and then lost to an unfortunate injury. Mendez went on to draw a comparison between Tsarukyan’s situation and some of the past challenges faced by Khabib Nurmagomedov.
However, Dana White, UFC’s president, seems to have contrasting intentions for Tsarukyan’s journey in the UFC. The Armenian warrior had his eyes on the lightweight title held by Makhachev. Yet, the untimely injury may inadvertently cost him more than expected.
Discussing Tsarukyan’s future placement within the UFC hierarchy, White hinted at a more challenging route for the injured fighter. The UFC head defined it as a return to the drawing board, implying that Tsarukyan may face a battle roaring back into title contention.
White stated that Tsarukyan’s title shot would be withheld, implying that he’d have to grapple his way up through the ranks to earn another crack at the belt. Needless to say, this isn’t exactly an uplifting forecast for Tsarukyan at this time.
However, given the young Armenian’s undeniable talent and fighting spirit, it is highly feasible for him to make a dynamic comeback into the championship scene. Despite the formidable challenges lying ahead, Tsarukyan’s future inside the octagon is far from being written off.
Indeed, the career of a fighter oscillates between triumph and adversity, and Tsarukyan’s current situation merely underlines that reality. Although his immediate path to the title has been blocked, his tenacity and indomitable spirit may reposition him at the title chase’s epicenter sooner than later.
The world of UFC is an unpredictable one, and each fight can entirely change the career trajectory of a fighter. The setback that Tsarukyan is confronting now may well turn out to be a simple hurdle in his longer journey towards the top of the lightweight division.
While current sentiments may seem bleak, the essence of this sport lies in overcoming adversities and making triumphant comebacks. Armed with raw talent and a fighting spirit, Tsarukyan inherently possesses the potential to turn the tide and rebound stronger in future UFC battles.
With eagerness and anticipation, UFC fans around the globe continue to observe the course of Tsarukyan’s budding fighting career, curious to see if, and when, the dynamic Armenian warrior paves his way back into the realm of title contention.