The Shocking Truth: Why Arman Tsarukyan Would Dominate Islam Makhachev in a Rematch

The UFC lightweight division is filled with elite talent, but one looming question has been stirring up debates among fight fans: Can Arman Tsarukyan defeat Islam Makhachev?

While Makhachev reigns as the UFC lightweight champion, his dominance might not be as unshakable as many believe. Arman Tsarukyan is not the same fighter who lost to Islam in their first bout. In fact, his skill set has evolved so drastically that a rematch could result in a completely different outcome—one where Tsarukyan comes out on top.

Let’s break down why Arman Tsarukyan is the biggest threat to Islam Makhachev’s reign and why he may very well be the next UFC lightweight champion.

Arman Tsarukyan Is Virtually Impossible to Submit

One of Makhachev’s greatest weapons is his suffocating submission game. He has finished elite fighters like Charles Oliveira with ease, proving that he can dominate anyone on the ground. However, Arman Tsarukyan is built differently.

The biggest proof? Tsarukyan survived Charles Oliveira’s guillotine.

Think about that for a second. Oliveira is the greatest submission artist in UFC history, holding the record for the most submission wins in the promotion. When he locks in a guillotine, most fighters either tap or go to sleep. But Tsarukyan didn’t just survive—he escaped.

That’s a massive red flag for Makhachev’s grappling-heavy approach. If Arman can escape Oliveira’s guillotine, what makes anyone think Islam could submit him? This is a nightmare scenario for Makhachev because, for the first time, he’d be facing a lightweight who can resist his strongest weapon.

Arman’s Takedowns Are a Different Beast

Yes, Makhachev has elite wrestling, but his success largely depends on his ability to dictate where the fight goes. Against most opponents, Islam controls the pace, takes them down, and slowly grinds them out. But against Tsarukyan, that strategy won’t work.

Here’s why:

• Tsarukyan’s takedowns are absolutely relentless. Even Charles Oliveira—a fighter known for his own wrestling ability—couldn’t handle Arman’s takedowns.
• Unlike most fighters who get overwhelmed by Islam’s chain wrestling, Arman has the endurance and technique to counter-wrestle effectively.
• If Islam finds himself unable to impose his grappling, he’s left with a striking battle—a dangerous scenario for the champion.

This means that in a potential rematch, Islam would be forced to fight at a much higher pace than he’s comfortable with. If he struggles to take Arman down, we might see Makhachev’s cardio tested like never before.

Arman’s Ground and Pound is More Devastating

While Islam’s grappling is impressive, his ground and pound isn’t particularly dangerous. We’ve seen him take opponents down and control them, but rarely does he dish out the kind of brutal damage that ends fights.

In contrast, Arman Tsarukyan is a savage on top.

A perfect example? His performance against Charles Oliveira.

• Arman’s ground and pound was so vicious that he left Oliveira bleeding.
• Islam, on the other hand, couldn’t do significant damage to Charles when he had him on the mat—except for the knockdown that led to the submission.
• If Arman gets on top of Islam, it wouldn’t be a slow, methodical control game—it would be a violent barrage of elbows and fists that could force a stoppage.

Islam’s biggest weakness is his inability to cause serious damage when he gets fighters to the ground. Against Tsarukyan, that could prove to be a fatal flaw.

Arman’s Striking Neutralizes Islam’s Threats

One of the biggest misconceptions in MMA today is that Islam Makhachev is an elite striker. Many people believe this because of his performance against Dustin Poirier, where he seemingly outboxed the knockout artist.

But here’s the reality:

• Dustin was so worried about the takedown threat that he couldn’t fully commit to his striking.
• Islam’s success on the feet was largely due to Poirier having to defend against the grappling rather than a display of superior striking skills.

Arman Tsarukyan, however, doesn’t have that fear.

Unlike Poirier, Tsarukyan is a high-level wrestler himself, which means he won’t hesitate to engage Islam in a striking battle. This gives him the freedom to be more aggressive and take risks that other strikers wouldn’t dare attempt against Makhachev.

And when it comes to pure stand-up ability, Arman is faster, sharper, and has a more explosive striking arsenal. He can press forward, mix in kicks, and force Islam into uncomfortable exchanges.

Final Verdict: Arman Tsarukyan Has the Superior Skill Set

There’s a reason many fans and analysts believe Tsarukyan is the future of the lightweight division.

His combination of elite wrestling, submission defense, devastating ground and pound, and superior striking makes him the most dangerous challenger Islam Makhachev has ever faced.

• You can’t submit him.
• You can’t take him down easily.
• You can’t afford to let him get on top of you.
• You can’t outstrike him without serious consequences.

If a rematch happens, it won’t be the same fight as before. Arman Tsarukyan has leveled up, while Makhachev has yet to face someone with this complete of a skill set.

And that’s why, when they meet again, Arman Tsarukyan is taking that belt.