Arman Tsarukyan, the No.1 UFC Lightweight contender, is set to make his Pit Submission Series debut, and fans can’t stop talking about it. The reason is the opponent’s connection to Islam Makhachev, the UFC Lightweight champion.
Tsarukyan was set to challenge Makhachev at UFC 311 before withdrawing due to a back injury. Renato Moicano stepped in on short notice, losing via first-round submission.
Fight Fans React to Arman Tsarukyan Competing Against Islam Makhachev’s Teammate
Ariel Helwani recently disclosed that Tsarukyan will compete against Makkasharip Zaynukov in the Pit Submission Series at Karate Combat 54. Zaynukov, a Lightweight with a 16-4 MMA record, is a teammate of Makhachev at Eagles MMA.
Zaynukov last competed at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants in October, earning a unanimous decision win against Dedrek Sanders. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan last fought at UFC 300, defeating Charles Oliveira by split decision.
With Tsarukyan set to face Makhachev’s teammate, fight fans on social media shared their feelings.
“That’s a big mistake.. definitely not UFC approved,” a fan commented
That’s a big mistake.. definitely not UFC approved.
— MattersThatFact (@MattersThatFact) April 28, 2025
“Arman is obviously looking for a fight to make living, been a long time since he fought in the Octagon,” a second fan wrote.
Arman is obviously looking for a fight to make living, been a long time since he fought in the Octagon.
— Mouhannad (@Mouhann60883611) April 28, 2025
“Arman actually fell off so bad,” another fan wrote.
Arman actually fell off so bad
— Pilzy ² (@LilzyPriv2) April 28, 2025
A fan expressed skepticism about the matchup, writing, “They always do this, and the UFC fighter 9/10 times pulls out.”
“Arman is 100% pulling out of this,” a fan seconded the thought.
Tsarukyan Shares Insights on Makhachev’s Next Fight
Tsarukyan vs. Makhachev II was highly anticipated, particularly as the former surprised many with his performance on his UFC debut when they first fought. Unfortunately, the rematch didn’t happen at UFC 311, but Tsarukyan hasn’t lost hope of fighting Makhachev or for a title bout.
“If Islam is going to move to 170, yeah, they got to give me an interim title with somebody,” Tsarukyan said on his recent appearance on the JAXXON podcast.
The 28-year-old pointed out that Oliveira and Topuria are angling for a title shot, and his fight will be booked when the UFC announces what’s next for Makhachev.
Tsarukyan also explained why Makhachev hesitates to defend the title against Topuria. “Islam doesn’t want to fight him because if he wins, the people are going to say, okay, you again beat 145 fighter, and he’s not number one contender,” the Armenian said.
Topuria had recently disclosed that the UFC had promised him a title shot after he vacated the Featherweight title. When asked about the matter to Dana White at the UFC Kansas City press conference, the 56-year-old smiled, hinting that something was in the works.