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

Tsarukyan and Machado Garry Become Title Contenders in the UFC

The UFC world vibrated on Saturday with stellar performances by Arman Tsarukyan in lightweight and Ian Machado Garry in welterweight, who are emerging as the main contenders for the title. Tsarukyan (23-3) submitted Dan Hooker in the second round in the main event of UFC Fight Night held at the ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar. For his part, Machado Garry (17-1) dominated Belal Muhammad, former champion, in a unanimous decision after three rounds 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 expressed 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.

Arman Tsarukyan

Topuria, who won the belt by knocking out Charles Oliveira in June, might have to consider Tsarukyan as his next challenge, although names like Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are also being considered. Machado Garry, from Ireland, has accumulated ten victories in his last eleven fights and also requested a title fight after his victory. He could position himself as a strong contender 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 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 fight between Tsarukyan and Hooker was dominated by the former, who controlled the fight on the ground and achieved a submission with an arm triangle in the second round. The fight was uneven, with Tsarukyan controlling the fight for more than six minutes. In the Machado Garry matchup, the action primarily unfolded on the feet. Muhammad didn’t manage any takedowns and was outstruck in the striking exchanges. Machado Garry connected with jabs, right hands, and front kicks, winning by unanimous decision with scorecards of 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28.

The situation in the 155 and 170-pound divisions is dynamic. Topuria, former featherweight champion, has expressed interest in moving up in weight to face Makhachev at 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.