Why Arman Tsarukyan Refused to Fight Islam Makhachev on June 1

In the lightweight division of mixed martial arts (up to 70 kg), UFC championship contender Arman Tsarukyan (Armenia) explained why he declined to fight champion Islam Makhachev (Russia) on June 1.

Arman Tsarukyan earned his contender status after defeating Brazilian Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, where he ranked first in the standings.

“It turns out that I would have only 7 weeks to rest and prepare for training camp. If it were about the end of June, I would agree to the fight. Why should I take the risk as I did in our first fight against Islam? It’s still a short time, and I want to be 100 percent ready,” Tsarukyan was quoted by The MMA Hour.

Islam Makhachev will fight American Dustin Poirier on June 1.