Arman Tsarukyan: UFC Champ Islam Makhachev Not an 'Invincible Superhero'

Arman Tsarukyan recently downplayed the “invincible” aura surrounding Islam Makhachev.

Tsarukyan suffered a unanimous decision loss against Makhachev in his short-notice Ultimate Fighting Championship debut back in 2019. The Armenian-American has since been looking for an opportunity to correct the loss with Makhachev sitting at the top of the lightweight ladder.

Tsarukyan made his case for a gold bid with a split-decision win over former champ Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 earlier this month.

“Ahalkalakets” was immediately offered a title shot against Makhachev for UFC 302 on June 1, which he turned down citing the quick turnaround. With Makhachev insistent on defending his title in the summer, the shot went to Dustin Poirier.

Tsarukyan recently dismissed the idea of him requiring a specialized training camp for a potential rematch against Makhachev. The lightweight contender highlighted the need for a proper training camp for his first UFC title shot, regardless of the opponent.

According to the Russian, the narrative of Makhachev being special has been wrongly built by fans. Tsarukyan further noted that the Dagestani champ is perceived to be undefeated despite having suffered a knockout loss in his UFC debut against Adriano Martins in 2015.

“It was people who came up with the idea in their heads that Islam is special,” Tsarukyan told KPSport (via Championship Rounds). “The same person, but they made him an undefeated champion. Although he also lost too, he was also knocked out. We are all human, we can all lose. There is no need to make Makhachev an invincible superhero.”