Arman Tsarukyan Eyes Michael Chandler Bout
Arman Tsarukyan secured a win on his RAF 05 debut, beating four-time NCAA All-American Lance Palmer, as he eyed a fight with Michael Chandler.
Tsarukyan secured a 10-0 technical fall victory, as he secured a dominant win. Arman’s decision to stay active is fueled by his desire to stay ready in case a UFC fight presents itself. He missed out on fighting at UFC 324 for the interim UFC Lightweight Title as Justin Gaethje will face Paddy Pimblett. Arman’s headbutt at the Dan Hooker weigh-in played a part in that. However, with his latest win, Arman turned his attention to Michael Chandler.
Credit: UFC
Arman Reacts
“I want to do more RAF, grappling, so let’s see what they offer. I would like to wrestle because grappling is still dangerous for us, but in freestyle wrestling there is no chokes or submissions. It’s difficult to get hurt here. I see Michael Chandler is calling out somebody. He was running out in the UFC, but maybe here he’s not going to be a little girl like always, and he’s going to take a wrestling match with me. Back home, he’s a wrestler. I’m not a wrestler. I’m an MMA fighter. Yeah, I wrestle a lot, but still – maybe here he has a little bit of chance to beat me because in UFC, he has zero chance.” Arman revealed
Chandler was not impressed with Arman, as he had this to say.
“With that being said, I would absolutely smash Arman Tsarukyan in a wrestling match, after watching him tonight. I will say he looked really good and really impressive but Lance Palmer didn’t look as good as he should have… Arman I will smash you in an RAF wrestling ring. But I’ve got my sights set on something later this summer, I think we all know,” Chandler stated
Arman’s Future
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Despite this being the case, Arman is desperately chasing a title shot. The lightweight belt is currently held by Ilia Topuria. The latter is currently taking a break from the UFC to deal with personal issues. The winner of Gaethje-Pimblett will be in a position to face Ilia, although Arman is the number-one ranked contender. Arman’s desire to win the belt must take priority, as a Chandler fight does not take him closer to that. With that being said, Arman may continue to face the wrestling elite instead.
“I would like to wrestle with Kyle Drake, as well. It’s good for me because he’s world champion, (bronze) Olympic (medalist). He’s a real name. Next one i would like to have an MMA fighter, who has a background in wrestling, get more experience, and then wrestle with the real wrestlers because we’re still not on the same level. You can’t compare an MMA fighter to a freestyle wrestler,” Arman added
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