Arman Tsarukyan has worked his way back to a rematch with Islam Makhachev, and this time it’s for the UFC lightweight title. Javier Mendez is not surprised one bit.
Mendez, leading coach at American Kickboxing Academy and Eagles MMA, had a feeling his student Makhachev would cross paths once again with Tsarukyan after the conclusion of their first bout in Saint Petersburg, Russia, back in 2019.
Makhachev welcomed Tsarukyan to the UFC in what’s safe to say was a very difficult debut. Yet, despite the tough task, the then 22-year-old Tsarukyan gave plenty of work to Makhachev and was able to see out a decision – something few fighters have done in recent years. Even in defeat, the Armenian fighter impressed many.
