Tsarukyan and Machado Garry Emerge as Number One Contenders in the UFC
The UFC world may have found two number one contenders this weekend. Arman Tsarukyan and Ian Machado Garry shone with outstanding performances, solidifying their positions in their respective divisions. Tsarukyan (23-3) submitted Dan Hooker in the second round in the main event of the UFC Fight Night held in Doha, Qatar. For his part, Machado Garry (17-1) dominated Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision in the co-main event. Tsarukyan, with five consecutive victories, is aiming directly at the lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria. The Armenian fighter expressed his desire to face Topuria as early as January if the UFC offers him the contract.Topuria, who won the belt after knocking out Charles Oliveira in June, has not yet defended his title. Among the possible options for his first defense are Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. Machado Garry, from Ireland, has won ten of his last eleven fights and also requested a title fight after his victory. He could position himself as a contender for the newly crowned champion Islam Makhachev.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
Tsarukyan’s performance was dominant, managing to take Hooker to the canvas in the first two rounds and finishing the fight with an arm-triangle choke in the second round. The Machado Garry fight took place entirely standing. Muhammad did not achieve any takedowns and was outstruck in the exchange of blows. Machado Garry connected jabs and right hands to the head, as well as kicks to the body and front leg. The three judges gave him the victory by unanimous decision.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
