Tsarukyan and Machado Garry shine in Qatar: Next UFC title contenders?

Tsarukyan and Machado Garry Position Themselves as UFC Contenders

The UFC world may have found two number one contenders on Saturday, with standout performances from Arman Tsarukyan at lightweight and Ian Machado Garry at welterweight. Tsarukyan (23-3) submitted Dan Hooker in the second round in the main event of the UFC Fight Night held at the ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar. In the co-main event, Machado Garry (17-1) dominated Belal Muhammad, former champion, in a unanimous decision after three rounds. Tsarukyan has accumulated five consecutive victories and has his sights set on the 155-pound champion, Ilia Topuria. The Armenian fighter stated that he would be willing to face him in January if the UFC sends him a contract.

We have to face it; there is only one number one contender and it’s Arman Tsarukyan. Don’t make an easy fight. I’m ready, at the end of January. Send me the contract, and I’ll be there.

Arman Tsarukyan

Topuria hasn’t fought since he won the vacant title by knocking out Charles Oliveira in June. His possible opponents for his first title defense include Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. Machado Garry, from Ireland, has won 10 of his last 11 fights and also took advantage of his post-fight interview to request a title fight. He could jump to the front of a long list of potential opponents for the newly crowned champion Islam Makhachev.

I just beat the number one contender. Nobody else is ranked above him. Islam, Belal couldn’t take me down, so he tries to take me down. I am the best in the world. You have a duty to defend yourself against the best in the world.

Ian Machado Garry

The individual performances in the main and co-main events were notable, although in very different ways. Tsarukyan took Hooker to the ground in the first and second rounds, and easily transitioned to an arm-triangle choke at 3:44. It was a very uneven fight, where Tsarukyan dominated for more than six minutes of a nine-minute fight.

On the other hand, the Machado Garry fight unfolded entirely on their feet. Muhammad failed his seven takedown attempts and was outstruck in the striking exchanges. Machado Garry punished him with jabs and right hands to the head, as well as a front kick to the body and the lead leg. All three judges scored the bout in favor of Machado Garry, with scorecards of 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28.

There are many movements in the 155 and 170-pound categories. Topuria, former featherweight champion, has expressed interest in moving up again to face Makhachev at welterweight. Makhachev stated that he was more interested in a title defense against former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, but that was before Machado Garry’s impressive performance on Saturday.