LAS VEGAS – Arman Tsarukyan thinks it’s time he gets matched up with the upper echelon of the lightweight division.
Tsarukyan (19-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) returned to the win column when he defeated Damir Ismagulov by unanimous decision in this past Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 216 co-main event at the UFC Apex.
After handing Ismagulov his first octagon loss, Tsarukyan is targeting former champion Charles Oliveira or streaking top contender Beneil Dariush next.
“It’s a big fight for me and a big name,” Tsarukyan told MMA Junkie and other reporters of Ismagulov backstage. “Yeah, he’s not in the top five, but he’s tougher than top fighters.”
He continued, “I would like to have my next fight (against) Charles Oliveira or (Beneil) Dariush, because I deserve to have a big name. They don’t have a fight now, and I’m ready.”
The win over Ismagulov was big for Tsarukyan, but Ismagulov doesn’t carry the ranking that will elevate the 26-year-old to title contention. So if Tsarukyan can’t get a top-ranked opponent next, he has no issues waiting until he’s offered one.
“I don’t get injured. I feel good,” Tsarukyan said. “I’m young, and I can cut weight. If the UFC offered me a big fight, I’m going to be ready in two months. But if they’re going to offer me someone from the top 15, I’m not gonna fight. I’m going to wait like a little bit, improve my skills and go to ATT to train with my coach.
“Because last camp I had in Thailand, because I didn’t have a visa. He got mad. This time, I’ve got to go to Miami, ATT and train with him for a long time and choke everybody. This time, he said I made some mistakes in grappling, and I’m going to improve it, and we’re going to choke everybody.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 216.
