Arman Tsarukyan recently expressed why a grappling match with his longtime UFC adversary Islam Makhachev is unlikely to take place. Last Tuesday, Tsarukyan competed alongside fellow UFC fighter Shara Magomedov in an event outside the UFC, where despite high expectations, neither secured a submission and the match ended in a draw. Tsarukyan elaborated that the reason he won’t face Makhachev in a grappling bout is that Makhachev earns too much money through the UFC, making it financially unfeasible for other promotions to match his pay.
Since joining the UFC in 2015, Makhachev has not participated in any fights outside the promotion, suggesting his UFC contract is highly lucrative. Tsarukyan, known as “Ahal Karakets,” told Red Corner MMA that no one can afford to pay Makhachev enough for such a fight right now. The two fighters clashed in Tsarukyan’s UFC debut in 2019, with Makhachev winning by unanimous decision. They were expected to fight again at UFC 311, but Makhachev’s move to welterweight has likely ended any chance of a rematch within the Octagon.
Many fans and analysts believe Tsarukyan deserves a lightweight title shot, although he has yet to secure one. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan is taking fights outside the UFC to stay active and will face former PFL champion Lance Palmer in a wrestling match on January 10th. However, this outside activity may not necessarily advance his UFC career.
Fan Take: This news is significant for fight fans because it highlights the complex financial and contractual dynamics shaping MMA careers beyond just skill and rivalry. Tsarukyan’s situation underscores the growing importance of financial factors in determining which high-profile matchups actually happen, potentially shifting how fighters navigate their paths in the sport.
