“He looks good, he’s in shape,” No. 1-ranked lightweight contender gives scoop on the state of boogeyman Khamzat Chimaev (2024)

Khamzat Chimaev is back. He is better than ever, and he is ready to get back to his boogeyman ways. That’s according to No. 1-ranked lightweight title contender Arman Tsarukyan. The Armenian has been in close proximity to ‘Borz’ his last few, and he notions some positive news.

Much like Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko, Arman Tsarukyan and ‘Borz’ served as opposing coaches for teams on the Hype Reality series. This turns out to be like a Russian version of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). Tsarukyan talked about his coaching experience in Thailand, opposite Chimaev in a recent interview. As such, Tsarukyan opened up about the current condition of the Chechen fighters.

He looks good, he’s in shape. For sure, I believe he’s gonna win [against] Robert Whittaker. After that fight... he can fight for the title. He’s gonna be champion for sure...

Arman Tsarukyan to Denis Shkuratov of the ‘Submission Radio’ Podcast (@SubmissionRadio)

Despite positive appearances, he’ll have to get through Robert Whittaker first and then a possible title fight. The two finally meet in the co-main event of UFC 308. Turns out, the 185-pound boogeyman was not so “boogey” after all when he sought out after a ‘violent illness.’ He was to be the top bill for the UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs. Aliskerovheadliner. However, he marred plans with an inexplicable illness.

However, ‘Borz’ is back to sparring top crops and seems to be well. Khamzat Chimaev somehow holds a spot in the Top 15 of the official 185-pound rankings. As he returns to the fold, it’d be interesting to watch the ‘Borz’ burst yet again. As for Tsarukyan, he has some plans of his own.

Arman Tsarukyan calls for interim title fight after Islam Makhachev injury

Arman Tsarukyan hoped to challenge the 155-pound strap at the upcoming UFC 308 pay-per-view (PPV) event this October in Abu Dhabi. While out on a NAC-imposed year ban, the chances of that were already paper thin. However, during a UFC on ABC 7guest fighter Q&A, Islam Makhachev said he probably would not heal in time.

While Khamzat Chimaev could barely meet his commitments for the combat sports reality show, Tsarukyan is firing on all cylinders. ‘Ahalkalakets’ is thus awaiting news on Makhachev’s injury, which may require surgery in a few months, and remains without a fight date. In the meantime, though, he has some top names for an interim title scrap in mind.

Now they moved that fight to December or maybe next year…If Islam can’t fight this year, for sure I would like to fight for the interim title, Dustin Poirier, he’s a solid fighter…Yeah, it would be great. Dustin, [Justin] Gaethje, Michael Chandler as well.

Arman Tsarukyan further via the ‘Submission Radio’ Podcast (@SubmissionRadio), for SBNation Network

Top brass is allegedly already penciling in a December PPV card for the return of one Conor McGregor. Tsarukyan beat Charles Oliveira via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) in a hyped April PPV card (UC 300). Now, he wants to one-up his performance against more such names like Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, and Justin Gathje. Defeating them would make him the undisputed contender until Makhachev returns.

In case you missed it:

• “It’s like 60/40,” Beneil Dariush believes Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan won’t be one-sided battle
• Arman Tsarukyan Net Worth 2024: How rich is the talented lightweight grappler?