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Islam Makhachev's Coach Reacts To Former Opponent Arman Tsarukyan's KO Of Beneil Dariush

Originally posted on MMA News | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated 12/6/23

The coach of UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev was impressed with Arman Tsarukyan's latest victory, but he doesn't think it will be enough to net the rising Armenian a shot at the title.

Tsarukyan climbed into the top five this week following a standout performance opposite longtime contender Beneil Dariush. The pair headlined Saturday's UFC Fight Night card in Austin, Texas.

It was the younger 155lber who emerged victorious from the Moody Center, with Tsarukyan brutally knocking Dariush out cold just 64 seconds into their main event contest.

In the aftermath, Tsarukyan looked to capitalize on his history with Makhachev by calling for a championship rematch. The pair first collided in 2019, when the Armenian 27-year-old impressed by taking the Dagestani to the scorecards in a competitive scrap.

But according to Makhachev's trainer, Tsarukyan is unlikely to leapfrog two other high-ranked contenders.

Mendez: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 Something UFC 'Can Hold For Later'

During a recent episode of his podcast, American Kickboxing Academy coach and founder Javier Mendez gave his thoughts on Tsarukyan's performance in the "Lone Star State," as well as his calls for a second dance with the champ.

Although Mendez was impressed with how the Armenian made quick work of Dariush, he expects that Tsarukyan will require another victory while Makhachev's expected showdowns with Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje play out.

"I saw the replay. It was very impressive," Mendez said. "Definitely because they've had history and the fight was very tough for Islam, you would think that the UFC, being the marketing machine that they are, that they're always looking for intriguing matchups. But I think, honestly, there are too many people ahead of him.

"I think Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira are ahead of him, so I think that's (Tsarukyan rematch) something that they can hold for later," Mendez continued. "Honestly speaking, I think who we're probably gonna be looking at, I would imagine, would be Charles or Justin. Arman would be later, but I think he's gonna have to have one more fight, not because he has to but because by the time he comes around (as number one contender), he's not gonna wanna settle and do nothing."

Former champ Oliveira secured an opportunity with his own win over Dariush in Canada earlier this year. Having withdrawn from a scheduled rematch with Makhachev in October owing to a cut, "Do Bronx" is widely expected to be next in line.

Gaethje, meanwhile, staked his claim with a 'BMF' title-winning knockout of fellow ex-interim champion Dustin Poirier this past July at UFC 291. "The Highlight" is seemingly willing to wait for his latest shot, should "Do Bronx" get the nod first.

Nevertheless, although he may not get the immediate chance to avenge his past defeat at the hands of Makhachev, Tsarukyan has vowed to have the lightweight gold in his possession by this time next year.