Arman Tsarukyan calls out top UFC lightweight fighter – Another major division shakeup on the line?

It’s been almost a year since UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan was last seen in the Octagon. His 4-fight winning streak at the UFC has been temporarily put on hold after the fighter pulled out of his last scheduled bout at UFC 311 against Islam Makhachev, a fight that went in Makhachev’s favor after a win over the replacement, Renato Moicano. While his next bout at the Octagon is yet to be announced, the fighter secured a grappling win at Karate Combat 54 on May 2, 2024, over Makkasharip Zaynukov. After the fight, Arman called out his former rival at the UFC, which stirred another line of anxiety among the fans, owing to the previous shakeup across the division due to the fighter pulling out at the last moment.
Russian fighter Makkasharip Zaynukov, a member of the Khabib Nurmagomedov-led team Eagles MMA, is one of the strongest fighters within the MMA circuit, fighting mostly in Russia. He has been part of promotions like Octagonmma Warriors, GFC, UAE Warriors and the PFL. Despite a brilliant track record, the fighter submitted in a grappling match to UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan at KC 54. Arman, who has been on the sidelines of the UFC for over a year now, pertaining to his pullout from UFC 311 against Islam Makhachev, finally stepped inside a ring, not the Octagon, and secured a much-needed win required to stay relevant.
In his long career of pro MMA, Arman has not secured a title run apart from the one at UFC 311, which was a major miss for the fighter. For him to get a chance at the title bout, the fighter needs to defeat another lightweight contender first. However, seems like the fighter has not given up his hope at the title shot despite the pull out setback and after his win at the KC 54, Arman called out his former UFC rival, Islam Makhachev.
During the post-fight interview, the fighter stated, “I need one more guy from Khabib’s team.” The callout stands as another notification for the UFC to ponder upon.

However, the previous move by the fighter withdrawing at the last moment has raised certain doubts amongst the fanbase of the UFC. One of them wrote, “Maybe if you don't pull out again.”

Another one wrote, “Armans cool but he really messed up the division with that pullout”

“That night was your problem, not anyone else’s”

Also read: Beneil Dariush explains how Islam Makhachev could be stuck in a lose-lose fight with Ilia Topuria
The callout was a direct request for the reorganization of the rematch between Arman and Makhachev. While fans doubt the accountability of the bout happening, Arman’s callout now might just aid the UFC in managing the fixtures, which have been somewhat confusing owing to the fighters’ moving up the weight categories.