No. 2 UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has given his two cents on Islam Makhachev’s next bout.
Makhachev, the reigning UFC 170-pound titleholder and former 155-pound champion, is going to lock horns with Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.
Makhachev’s welterweight debut last year was impressive, and now it remains to be seen whether he can display the same level of dominance against Garry.
On paper, “The Future” should be easy game for Makhachev, as the latter’s head coach claims. Although Javier Mendez believes Garry could trouble the 34-year-old on the feet, the Dagestani wrestling maestro is expected to have the advantage once the fight goes to the ground.
Arman Tsarukyan, who has shared the octagon with Islam Makhachev and considers him his hardest challenge, believes the pound-for-pound king will be a very “tough” opponent for the Irishman.
“Ahalkalakets” added that in the striking department, Garry would be ahead at UFC 330; however, once Makhachev times and gets the takedown, it will be a long night for “The Future.”
“Islam Makhachev is too tough for Garry. Garry has good striking. I think in the striking department, Garry makes problems for Islam. But Islam has a good timing of takedown. He is gonna take him down and most likely submit him in Round 3 or 4.”
Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s comments below:
Ian Machado Garry knows how dominant Makhachev’s wrestling, grappling, judo, and sambo can be. To prepare for the same, he has been training with southpaw wrestlers in Gori, Georgia, hoping they will help him stop Makhachev when the octagon door shuts on August 15.
What is next for Arman Tsarukyan?
Arman Tsarukyan will most likely fight the newly minted 155-pound champion Justin Gaethje. Gaethje, however, has already fought 2 times this year, and his entering the cage a third time in 2026 is highly unlikely.
In case “The Highlight” doesn’t return and decides to vacate the title and retire, then the 29-year-old could fight another top contender for the vacant throne.
If not, “Ahalkalakets” would love to run it back with the BMF champion Charles Oliveira.
