Arman Tsarukyan’s patience has paid off, as the Armenian wrestler will finally get his long-awaited title shot against dominant champion Islam Makhachev in January 2025.
With Islam Makhachev’s exceptional grappling skills, Tsarukyan’s wrestling will need to be flawless to claim victory at UFC 311. Fortunately, he can rely on the guidance of fellow wrestler Khamzat Cimaev to prepare for the challenge
Arman Tsarukyan Reflects on Grappling Match with Khamzat Chimaev: ‘Strongest Opponent’ I’ve Faced
Earlier this year, Arman Tsarukyan and Khamzat Chimaev coached the new season of Hype Fighting Championship’s reality show.
Full footage of their six-minute grappling match has now been released online, showing the UFC stars in action.
While Chimaev dominated much of the match, partly due to his significant height and weight advantage, Tsarukyan held his own and notably avoided being submitted by the undefeated Borz. Speaking after the contest Tsarukyan said;
“The fight with Khamzat was at a good pace; I defended well and didn’t give him the chance to choke me,”
“Given his size, it was tough for me to move him or get behind his back. I didn’t take any risks—I just stayed defensive and didn’t let Khamzat get a hold.”
Tsarukyan later admitted that Chimaev was the “strongest opponent” he had ever faced, highlighting Chimaev’s “sensitivity” to his takedown attempts as his biggest strength.
“I’m used to wrestling with guys my size, not heavier, because it can be too tough… But this was a good experience. His sensitivity is impressive—he can feel when you’re about to make a takedown. His weight, physical strength, and technique work together really well.”
Khamzat Chimaev Praises Tsarukyan Ahead of Lightweight Title Fight with Islam Makhachev at UFC 311
Chimaev acknowledged that his size was a significant factor in the Hype FC grappling match however, praised Tsarukyan’s dedication ahead of his lightweight title fight with Islam Makhachev. Chimaev spoke about this when he said;
“Arman is a very good wrestler, but I’m 10kg heavier than him, so it was tough,”
“Arman is at the highest level; he sees and feels everything. There’s technique in everything he does.”
“There are great fighters in his weight class. Islam Makhachev is number one pound-for-pound, and Arman is the top contender. Now, they can fight each other.”
The title fight is set for UFC 311 on January 18th 2025, in Los Angeles. It is unclear if Chimaev will be in Tsarukyan’s corner for the fight, while Makhachev will have former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov supporting him.
It will be a busy night for Khabib, as his cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov, will also be fighting for UFC gold in the co-main event against Merab Dvalishvili.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
