Exposed: Islam Makhachev’s Fight Against Arman Tsarukyan Wasn’t What It Seemed—Was He Saved by the Judges? The Shocking Truth Might Surprise You!
Islam Makhachev’s rise to the top of the UFC lightweight division was nothing short of spectacular, but there’s a fight in his career that has raised eyebrows and left fans questioning: was he really the dominant force everyone thought he was? Islam Makhachev’s fight against Arman Tsarukyan has been the subject of intense debate, and the shocking truth might surprise you. Did Makhachev truly earn the win, or was he saved by the judges in what many are calling one of the most controversial decisions in UFC history?
Let’s take a closer look at the fight, the aftermath, and the truth behind the judges’ controversial decision.
A Fight That Defied Expectations: Makhachev vs Tsarukyan
When Islam Makhachev stepped into the octagon to face Arman Tsarukyan, many fans and pundits expected the battle to be a one-sided affair. Makhachev, trained under the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, was on a tear through the lightweight division. His grappling skills were unparalleled, and his pressure game seemed impossible to overcome. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan, a highly skilled fighter in his own right, had the potential to provide a challenge, but most believed Makhachev’s wrestling would prove too much.
But as the fight unfolded, things didn’t go as planned.
From the very first round, Tsarukyan’s striking and movement seemed to give Makhachev trouble. The younger fighter showcased excellent footwork, landing crisp punches and forcing Makhachev to reset. For those watching, it quickly became clear that Makhachev was not the dominant force he appeared to be in his previous fights. Tsarukyan’s speed, technical skill, and composure had Makhachev on the back foot, and it was clear that the Russian fighter was struggling to impose his will.
Despite this, Makhachev never appeared in serious danger. His famous wrestling and control game kept him in the fight, but the sheer amount of damage Tsarukyan landed left many wondering whether the Russian fighter was actually losing.
Judges’ Controversy: Was Makhachev Really the Winner?
The fight went the full distance, and when the judges’ scores were announced, the decision went in favor of Islam Makhachev. But the aftermath of the fight raised serious questions. How could Makhachev win when Arman Tsarukyan had seemingly controlled much of the striking? Could it be that Makhachev’s dominance on the ground was enough to sway the judges, or was there something more at play here?
As fans debated, it quickly became evident that not everyone was convinced the right fighter had won. Makhachev’s wrestling was certainly effective, but it didn’t seem to outweigh the striking advantage Tsarukyan held throughout the fight. There were moments when Tsarukyan landed multiple combinations without Makhachev being able to answer back effectively, and yet, somehow, Makhachev earned the nod from the judges.
So, was the fight scored unfairly? Some fans have argued that Makhachev’s grappling control was overvalued, and that Tsarukyan’s superior striking should have been the deciding factor. With such a controversial decision, many are left questioning whether Makhachev really deserved to win, or if he was simply saved by the judges. The fact that the decision was unanimous, despite the obvious closeness of the fight, only added fuel to the fire.
The Shocking Truth: Makhachev’s Path to Victory Under a Spotlight
In the wake of the fight, the conversation has shifted to what many consider to be the unspoken truth about the bout. Islam Makhachev is undoubtedly a talented fighter with a world-class skillset. His wrestling, clinch control, and fight IQ are second to none. But when faced with a fighter like Arman Tsarukyan, whose striking and versatility posed real problems for Makhachev, the fight revealed cracks in the armor.
So, was Makhachev truly the better fighter on the night? Or did the judges simply favor his grappling control in a fight that, in reality, could have gone either way? The truth, for many, lies in the subjectivity of MMA judging. The fact that Makhachev was given the nod by all three judges may raise questions about the system itself. Is there too much emphasis placed on wrestling and control in MMA, while striking and damage are undervalued?
For Makhachev, this fight might have been a wake-up call. The reality is that he faced a fighter in Tsarukyan who was arguably better in several areas of the fight. Yet, Makhachev still found a way to secure the win—thanks in no small part to the judges’ decision. And while some will argue that Makhachev was the rightful winner, others will continue to wonder if the judges’ influence played a larger role in his victory than they’d like to admit.
What’s Next for Islam Makhachev?
Following the controversial win, Makhachev is no doubt looking to solidify his position as the top lightweight contender. But with the shadows of doubt cast over his previous performance, it’s clear that Makhachev will need to show improvement in his upcoming fights. Fans are eager to see whether he can overcome opponents who pose similar challenges, especially if they can match his wrestling and outstrike him, as Tsarukyan did.
As for Arman Tsarukyan, his performance against Makhachev will undoubtedly propel him into the upper echelon of the lightweight division. While he may not have come out victorious, his performance on the night proved he’s a force to be reckoned with in the UFC.
Ultimately, the Makhachev vs Tsarukyan fight left fans with more questions than answers, and the controversy surrounding the decision will likely linger long after both fighters move on to their next challenge.
Will Makhachev’s next fight be more decisive? Or will the doubts surrounding his controversial victory against Tsarukyan continue to haunt him as he fights for the title? One thing is for sure: the UFC lightweight division just became even more interesting, and the truth behind Makhachev’s win might not be what it seemed at first.