Makhachev was vocal about his intention to move up to 170 pounds in the lead up to this fight, mentioning Arman Tsarukyan by name in an interview with Zac Pacleb of UFC.com.
“Honestly, I think it’s my opinion, (I’m) almost done with my division because who is going to be next? Just Arman (Tsarukyan),” he said. “I already beat (him), and, in my division, I don’t have some interesting fight (or) too exciting fights for me.”
A fight against Tsarukyan might not be exciting, but it hasn’t been an exciting matchup for any of his recent foes. Makhachev pointed out that he has a win over the 27-year-old but that was five years ago at this point.
Since his loss to Makhachev, he is 9-1 with a split decision win over Charles Oliveira in his last bout. His ability to beat a grappler of Oliveira’s caliber at least opens up some intriguing storylines in a rematch.
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