Arman Tsarukyan bluntly states that money issues are preventing a grappling match with Islam Makhachev

Despite not receiving a lightweight title chance from the UFC, Arman Tsarukyan has continued to be active. After defeating Dan Hooker, the Armenian was then scheduled to fight Ilia Topuria for the lightweight gold. Meanwhile, Dana White set up a temporary lightweight title fight between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje.



The champion, Ilia Topuria, will not be fighting for a while due to private reasons. With Topuria unavailable, Tsarukyan is currently free to fight in grappling events. During this time, he was asked about a potential clash against Islam Makhachev.



Tsarukyan stated that his grappling fight with Makhachev may not happen since the current welterweight champions make a lot of money, and no one is willing to pay him that much for a grappling battle.

“In the short term, this grappling match won’t happen because Islam makes very big money in the UFC. I don’t think anybody can afford to pay him that amount of money.”


Although Ilia Topuria is on vacation, he managed to have a conversation with Eldoberdan during WOW 25: Madrid. In the interview, the current UFC lightweight champion criticized Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Arman Tsarukyan.

Opuria claimed that he was stronger than Makhachev and Tsarukyan. However, he declared that after defeating Makhachev, he will surrender to the retiring Khabib.

Arman Tsarukyan was to face Islam Makhachev at UFC 311

Arman Tsarukyan has reportedly stepped down from his lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev, and Renato Moicano has taken his place.

The reason for this seems to be a major shift for UFC 311.



It is unfortunate for the Armenian and his supporters because his eagerly anticipated title battle was supposed to be the main event of tomorrow night's pay-per-view.



"Unfortunately, we withdrew from the fight due to Arman's injury, which he sustained during the last kilogram...which makes this a difficult decision for all of us. Once again, we apologize to all the fans. For us, it was more than just a fight."

Tsarukyan’s brother, Artur, posted a statement on his story, claiming that the title challenger sustained the injury while cutting the final pound.


Also read: Dana White drops big UFC 324 announcement as major title fights land in Las Vegas.