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

Arman Tsarukyan and Ian Machado Garry solidify themselves as contenders in UFC

The UFC world vibrated on Saturday with outstanding performances that could define the future of two weight classes. Arman Tsarukyan in lightweight and Ian Machado Garry in welterweight, left an indelible mark with their recent victories. Tsarukyan (23-3) submitted Dan Hooker in the second round of the main event of UFC Fight Night in Doha, Qatar. For his part, Machado Garry (17-1) dominated Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision in the co-main event. Tsarukyan, with a streak of five consecutive victories, is aiming directly at the 155-pound champion, Ilia Topuria. The Armenian fighter did not hesitate to challenge Topuria, expressing his desire to face him in January if the UFC offers him the contract.

“We have to face each other; 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,” Tsarukyan declared about Topuria.

Arman Tsarukyan

Topuria, who won the belt after knocking out Charles Oliveira in June, might have to consider Tsarukyan as his next rival. Other possible contenders for the title defense include Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. Machado Garry, from Ireland, has won 10 of his last 11 fights and also used his post-fight interview to request a title shot. Machado Garry could climb the ranks to face 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 try to take me down. I am the best in the world. You have a duty to defend yourself against the best in the world,” Machado Garry stated.

Ian Machado Garry

The individual performances in the main events were impressive, although in different ways. Tsarukyan controlled the fight from the start, taking Hooker to the mat in the first two rounds and securing a submission with an arm-triangle choke in the second round. The Machado Garry fight, on the other hand, was fought entirely on the feet. Muhammad did not manage any takedowns and was outstruck in the exchange of blows. Machado Garry punished him with jabs, right hands, and front kicks to the body and front leg. All three judges awarded the victory to Machado Garry with scorecards of 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28.

Ian Machado Garry, on the right, punished Belal Muhammad with strikes throughout the fight, successfully defending seven takedown attempts and earning the victory by unanimous decision on Saturday in Doha, Qatar. The situation in the lightweight and welterweight categories is becoming increasingly exciting. Topuria, former featherweight champion, has even expressed interest in moving up again to face Makhachev in welterweight. Makhachev, for his part, had expressed his interest in defending the title against Kamaru Usman, but Machado Garry’s impressive performance could change the landscape.