Tsarukyan On Breaking Makhachev's UFC Record

Arman Tsarukyan has no plans to chase Islam Makhachev at welterweight until he breaks his former opponent's lightweight title defense record.

The No. 2-ranked lightweight told Paramount+ that he wants to rack up at least five title defenses at 155 pounds before considering a move up, as MMA Fighting reported. Makhachev defended the lightweight belt four times before vacating to claim the welterweight title earlier this year.

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Tsarukyan's Path To The Lightweight Title

Tsarukyan meets Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on Sept. 19 in what his camp says is a title eliminator. Per BJPenn.com, he has been promised a championship opportunity with a win. The newly nicknamed Batman was originally scheduled to challenge Makhachev in early 2025 but withdrew hours before weigh-ins due to injury.

When asked about moving up to face Makhachev at 170 pounds, Tsarukyan shut down the idea. "Not yet. At least five title defenses," he said. "I want to beat the record in the lightweight division. So Islam had four defenses, so I want to make five and then we'll see or I retire or go up to 170, because I've got to gain weight for 170."

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Current lightweight champion Justin Gaethje is reportedly sidelined until 2027 with hand injuries. Tsarukyan said he would stay active outside UFC competition if forced to wait for a title shot.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Arman Tsarukyan not interested in welterweight before breaking Islam Makhachev’s UFC record: “At least five title defenses”